Effects of Sleep Problems on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Youth with Externalizing Disorders.

• In Event: Reduced Sleep as a Risk Factor for Antisocial and Criminal Behavior

Abstract

Background. A growing number of studies suggest there may be a link between sleep problems and externalizing behavior. However, most of these studies have been conducted in healthy, non-referred samples.

Methods. In the present study, we examined relationships between sleep problems and behavior problems in a sample of youth diagnosed with either conduct disorder or ADHD.

Results. Within this externalizing sample, we found that parent- and child-reported sleep problems were primarily associated with internalizing, but not externalizing problems. Parent-reported sleep problems, as assessed by sleep-related items on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and child-reported sleepiness, as assessed by the School Sleep Habits Survey, were associated with parent-rated internalizing problems, social problems, and attention problems on the CBCL (all p < .01). Parent-reported but not child-reported sleep problems were also associated with parent-rated externalizing problems on the CBCL (p < .001). Parent-reported sleep problems remained a predictor of externalizing problems when controlling for internalizing problems and vice versa. Unlike findings from non-referred samples, child reported sleepiness was not associated with parent- or teacher-reported externalizing problems, or child-reported aggressive behavior (physical, verbal, reactive, proactive).

Conclusions. Together these findings suggest that within an externalizing population, sleep problems may be more strongly associated with internalizing problems.

Authors

• Andrea Glenn, University of Alabama

• Adrian Raine, University of Pennsylvania