Sleep trajectories and behavioural development in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the main findings of publications studying sleep patterns in children and adolescents and the links between these sleep patterns and their behavioural development. METHOD: Literature review: 1) using methods for modelling sleep characteristic trajectories (duration, difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings) by latent classes; 2) in typically developing preschool children or adolescents; 3) based on data collected via questionnaires or accelerometers; 4) and studying their links with behaviour. RESULTS: The results of the identified publications are presented. Overall, they show longitudinal changes or trajectories in sleep characteristics that differ between children. The same is true for adolescents. The less optimal sleep trajectories are associated with a higher risk of hyperactivity/inattention, with a possible bidirectional relationship. Other behavioural disorders have been little studied. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents do not all have the same sleep characteristics or the same developments over time. The least optimal developments are associated with a higher risk of hyperactivity/inattention. Co-evolution is suggested.