RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEEP PROBLEMS AND GROSS MOTOR FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY AND INVESTIGATION OF THEIR PARENTS' QUALITY OF LIFE

Purpose: Sleep problems commonly seen in children with cerebral palsy (CP) adversely affect daily living activities and treatment participation. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep problems and gross motor function levels in children with spastic CP and to determine parents' quality of life (QOL). Methods: Sixty children with spastic CP and 60 typically developing children between the ages of 4 and 12 years and their parents were enrolled in the study. After obtaining demographic data, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to determine motor function levels. International Classification of Diseases-10 was used for cognitive function. Children's Sleeping Habits Questionnaire measured children's sleeping habits. The Nottingham Health Profile was used to evaluate parents' QOL. Results: Fifty-two (86.7%) children with CP had sleep disorders. Sleep disturbance values were significantly higher in the CP group than the controls (52.7 +/- 7.6 vs 41.5 +/- 8.01, respectively), p=0.001. There was no significant difference between GMFCS levels and sleep disorders in children with CP (p>0.05) except morning fatigue (p=0.028). There was no difference between cognition, medication use, and sleep problems (p>0.05). Parents' QOL was found to be worse in the CP group (p=0.001). Conclusion: Rate of sleep disorders in children with CP was higher than controls. Their mothers' QOL values were found to be worse. Conditions that may be associated with sleep disorders in children with CP and their parents' conditions need to be better identified and screened.