The Association Between Sleep Problems and Attentional Network Functions in Patients with Self-Limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate sleep problems in children with self-limited epilepsy with central temporal spiking (SeLECTS) and to assess the relationship between sleep problems and attention network dysfunction.

Patients and methods

107 children 6–14 years of age with SeLECTS and 90 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited for this study. The sleep status of these participants was evaluated using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), while attentional network function was assessed with the attention network function test (ANT).

Results

Together, these analyses revealed that children with SeLECTS exhibited higher total CSHQ scores and sleep disorder incidence relative to healthy controls (P< 0.001). Children with SeLECTS had higher scores in delayed sleep onset, sleep duration, night awakenings, parasomnias, daytime sleepiness and sleep anxiety (P<0.01). Total CSHQ scores were negatively correlated with average ANT correct rates (ρ= −0.253, P<0.01), while they were positively correlated with total reaction time (ρ=0.367, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with the efficiency of the alerting and executive control networks (ρ=−0.344 P<0.01; ρ=−0.418 P<0.01).

Conclusion

Children with SeLECTS face a higher risk of experiencing sleep disorders relative to age-matched healthy children, while also demonstrating that the magnitude of the impairment of attentional network function in these children is positively correlated with sleep disorder severity. Thus, the prognosis and quality of life of children with SeLECTS can be improved by interventions addressing sleep disorders.

Keywords:

• SeLECTS
• attention network function
• sleep disorders
• CSHQ

Data Sharing Statement

The data sets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics Statement

Consent was obtained from all study participants before the start of the study. This study adheres to the tenets set forth in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Dr. Bin for his suggestions on the experimental design and the guidance for the later revision of the article.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

This is not an industry-supported study. None of the authors have potential conflicts of interest to be disclosed.