The Role of Sleep Duration and Sleep Problems During Childhood in the Development of ADHD in Adolescence: Findings From a Population-Based Birth Cohort

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between sleep in early life and ADHD in adolescence. As a secondary analysis, we tested whether the associations may be specific to ADHD. Method: Data from 3,467 participants of the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort were used. Information on their sleep duration and problems was collected at 12, 24, and 48 months of age. ADHD diagnosis and hyperactivity/inattention problems were assessed with the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) among participants at 11 years of age. Results: Difficulty going to sleep at 24 months, nightmares at 24 months and at 48 months, and restless sleep at 48 months were consistently associated with ADHD as well as with other mental disorders. Conclusion: The results suggest that sleep disturbances may be more important ADHD predictors than sleep duration or sleep duration trajectories. However, it may also be considered early markers of other mental disorders.