The effect of circadian preference and sleep disturbances on depression in children 6 to 12 years of age

Abstract

Circadian rhythm and sleep disruption have been associated with depressive symptoms in children. This study was conducted to determine sleep disturbances and circadian preferences and their possible associations with depression in healthy children 6 to 12 years of age. A total of 111 healthy children (mean age 7.5 years; 62.2% male) were included. Sleep disturbances and depression were determined by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), respectively. Circadian preference was evaluated by the Morningness - Eveningness Stability Scale improved (MESSi). SDSC was correlated with CDI (r = 0.396, p < 0.001). Morning affect was inversely correlated with CDI (r = -0.405, p < 0.001), SDSC (r = -0.348, p < 0.001), and three subdimensions of SDSC, i.e. disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS, r = -0.317, p = 0.001), disorders of arousal (DA, r = -0.375, p < 0.001) and disorders of excessive somnolence (DOES, r = -0.303, p = 0.001). Distinctness was inversely correlated with CDI (r = -0.402, p < 0.001) and SDSC (r = -0.274, p < 0.001). Increased use of electronic devices was associated with higher CDI (p = 0.003), while decreased duration of physical activity with higher SDSC (p = 0.017). Our findings support the recommendations addressing sleep and circadian preferences as lifestyle modifications in reducing depression in children.