Sleep Problems in Children with CP and Their Parents

The study found that sleep problems are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 0 to 11 years. The most common problems reported by parents were:

• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Early-morning waking.

Children with CP were also more likely to have sleep problems than typically developing children, and children with CP who cannot walk were more severely affected by sleep problems than children with CP who can walk.

Parents of children with CP were more likely to report feeling sleep-deprived than parents of typically developing children: one-third of parents of children with CP compared to a quarter of parents of typically developing children.

Why Do Sleep Problems Occur?

There are many reasons why sleep problems are so common in these children:

1. They may have physical discomfort/pain or stiffness that makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep
2. Many have gastrointestinal problems such as constipation or reflux
3. Some of the medications they take can cause sleep problems as a side effects 
4. Some children with CP have cognitive impairments that make it difficult to understand and follow bedtime routines.

What Should Parents Do?

There are a number of things that can be done to improve sleep in children with CP:

1. Establishing a regular bedtime routine and sticking to it as much as possible
2. Making sure that the child's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
3. Avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks before bed
4. Getting regular exercise, but avoiding exercise too close to bedtime.

If you are a parent of a child with CP and are concerned about their sleep, talk to their doctor. They can help you to identify and address any underlying medical conditions or medication side effects that may be affecting their sleep. They can also provide you with tips on how to establish a regular bedtime routine and create a relaxing bedtime environment.