Parent’s perception about sleeping habits of their children – pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Normal sleep varies over human development, being a fundamental biological role on his quality of life. When sleep disorders occurs, these are not always diagnosed, but they can be identified by specific questionnaires, assessment tools that are self-administered, identify symptoms of sleep disorders and have low cost. Objective: To evaluate parent’s or legal guardians’ perceptions regarding the presence of sleep disorders symptoms in children. Method: It was applied a sleep questionnaire in 65 parents or guardians of children aged between 2 and 16 years treated by Uninove Pediatric Dentistry Clinic. Results: Thirty-five per cent of the sample has some respiratory disease, and, among other sleep disorders found, there was a high incidence of insomnia. Conclusion: It was found that the majority of parents or legal responsibles, apparently, does not know what sleep disorders are.