J. Owensstively et al., CHILD TEMPERAMENT, PARENTING DISCIPLINE STYLE, AND DAYTIME BEHAVIOR IN CHILDHOOD SLEEP DISORDERS, Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics, 18(5), 1997, pp. 314-321
Fifty-two children without significant sleep disturbance seen at a pri
mary care clinic for well-child care were compared on measures of temp
erament, parenting style, daytime behavior, and overall sleep disturba
nce to three diagnostic subgroups identified in a pediatric sleep clin
ic: children with obstructive sleep apnea (n = 33), parasomnias (night
terrors, sleepwalking, etc.) (n = 16), and behavioral sleep disorders
(limit-setting disorder, etc.) (n = 31). The mean age of the entire s
ample was 5.7 years. Temperamental emotionality in the behavioral slee
p disorders group was associated with a higher level of sleep disturba
nce (p < .001); parenting laxness was associated with sleep disturbanc
e in the general pediatric population (p < .01); and intense and negat
ive temperament characteristics seemed to be associated with clinicall
y significant behavioral sleep disturbances. Ineffective parenting sty
les and daytime disruptive behaviors were more likely to be associated
with the milder sleep disturbances found in children in a primary car
e setting.