Impact of Sleep Disruption on Quality of Life in Children with Nocturnal Enuresis

A recent study has revealed that sleep disruption is closely linked to a decline in the quality of life (QoL) for children suffering from monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE). The findings emphasize the importance of understanding sleep patterns in this pediatric population in order to improve their overall well-being.

The research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, investigated the effects of sleep fragmentation on various aspects of life quality among children aged 8 to 12 diagnosed with MNE. Conducted by a team from the University of São Paulo, the study involved 44 participants who underwent polysomnography alongside completing a quality-of-life assessment using the PedsQL questionnaire.

Results indicated a negative correlation between increased frequency of microarousals during sleep and reduced scores in both physical and social domains of life quality. Specifically, higher instances of microarousals were associated with lower physical (B = -3.28) and social (B = -3.50) scores. Conversely, a higher percentage of N2 sleep was linked to enhanced social and academic functioning, suggesting that deeper sleep stages play a crucial role in supporting children's daily activities.

The analysis further revealed that N2 sleep acted as a moderating factor, amplifying the negative consequences of sleep disruptions on children's social functioning. Notably, when the percentage of N2 sleep was significantly above the average (one standard deviation), the negative impact on social quality of life was pronounced (B = -4.31).

The authors of the study stress the necessity for therapeutic interventions that not only aim to increase the restorative phases of sleep but also focus on maintaining these stages consistently. Such approaches are vital for promoting better health outcomes and enhancing daytime performance in children affected by nocturnal enuresis.

For further details, the study is titled Sleep Parameters and Quality of Life in Children with Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis: Association, Prediction and Moderation Analysis. The findings underscore a critical area of concern for pediatric health, highlighting the interplay between sleep quality and the comprehensive health of children dealing with nocturnal enuresis.