Subjective daytime sleepiness in schoolchildren

Objectives. The aim of this study was to find out how the occurrence of subjective daytime sleepiness (SDS) in schoolchildren had changed after 2 years follow-up and which were the predictors associated with persistence and appearance of SDS. Methods. A total of 107 schoolchildren with SDS (Group 1) and an equal number without SDS (Group 2) were chosen to take part in the questionnaire study (age range 12–20 years). The questions concerned sleeping habits, sleep disorders and daytime sleepiness of the child and the family, progress at school and TV/video watching of the child, and social background of the family. A bivariate method (Pearson’s chi-square) was used as a statistical tool. Results. We received 68 replies (64%) from Group 1 and 75 (70%) from Group 2. Fifty-four schoolchildren were still sleepy in Group 1 and 28 % had become sleepy in Group 2. The persist-ence of SDS in Group 1 was related to older age, irregular sleeping habits, frequent night waking and the fathers ’ sleep difficulties. The appearance of SDS in Group 2 was related to a high average grade at school. Conclusion. A delayed sleep phase rhythm and problems staying asleep are obvious causes of persistent SDS, but the stress of schoolwork can also cause daytime sleepiness in school-children