Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire

What is the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire?

The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) is a valuable tool used to assess various aspects of sleep health in children. Developed by Ronald Chervin and colleagues (, this questionnaire aims to identify potential sleep disorders and related issues such as sleep-disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness, and snoring. By gathering information about a child's sleep patterns and behaviors, healthcare practitioners can gain insights into potential sleep-related issues that may impact their overall well-being.

The PSQ encompasses questions covering various topics, including the frequency of snoring, observed apneas or pauses in breathing during sleep, and daytime sleepiness levels. It also considers factors such as a history of asthma, scales of depression, and other medical conditions that could influence sleep quality. Through a systematic assessment of these factors, the PSQ assists in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders in children.

For healthcare professionals, the PSQ serves as a valuable screening tool, providing a structured approach to evaluating sleep-related concerns in pediatric patients.

Is the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire reliable and valid?

The PSQ demonstrates strong reliability and validity based on various metrics, including Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each scale. With values ranging from 0.66 to 0.89, these coefficients indicate high internal consistency among the questionnaire items, ensuring it reliably measures the intended constructs.

Additionally, the PSQ's ability to offer insight into comorbidities, long-term prognosis, and surgical responses underscores its clinical utility and validity in assessing pediatric sleep disorders. Its high diagnostic value in screening patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) further attests to its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool. Moreover, the PSQ's availability for academic and research use, free of charge, enhances its accessibility and encourages its widespread adoption in clinical and research settings.

Overall, the PSQ emerges as a reliable, valid, and valuable instrument for identifying and managing pediatric sleep disorders, contributing to improved patient outcomes and quality of care.

How to score the PSQ

Assessing pediatric sleep health using the PSQ involves scoring the responses provided by caregivers or individuals. The SRBD scale contains 22 symptom items about snoring frequency, loud snoring, observed apneas, difficulty breathing during sleep, daytime sleepiness, inattentive or hyperactive behavior, and other pediatric OSA features. Children aged 2±18 years who had polysomnographically-confirmed sleep-disordered breathing (n = 54).

Responses to each item are scored as follows: "yes" = 1, "no" = 0, and "don't know" = missing. The mean response on non-missing items yields a score of 0 to 1. Scores exceeding 0.33 are considered positive and indicate a high risk for pediatric sleep-related breathing disorders.

What does the PSQ measure?

The PSQ evaluates various aspects of sleep health in children, including snoring frequency, observed apneas, difficulty breathing during sleep, daytime sleepiness, and inattentive or hyperactive behavior. It consists of 22 symptom items categorized into three domains: sleepiness, snoring, and inattention/hyperactivity.

How to calculate PSQ

To calculate the PSQ score, sum the responses for each domain: sleepiness, snoring, and inattention/hyperactivity. Then, divide the total by the number of items in the respective domain. A score exceeding 0.33 in any domain suggests a heightened risk for pediatric sleep-related breathing disorders, warranting further evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Does the PSQ help combat sleep disorders in children?

Yes, the PSQ plays a crucial role in combating sleep disorders in children by facilitating early detection and intervention. By systematically assessing various aspects of sleep health, the PSQ enables healthcare practitioners and caregivers to identify potential issues such as sleep-disordered breathing, snoring, and daytime sleepiness. With timely identification, appropriate interventions can be implemented to address these concerns, ultimately promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being in children.

What are some behavioral problems associated with sleeping difficulty?

Sleep difficulties in children can manifest in various behavioral problems, impacting their overall well-being. Some common behavioral issues associated with sleeping difficulty include:

• Increased irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating and poor academic performance
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity
• Emotional instability and anxiety
• Aggressive behavior and tantrums

These behavioral problems can significantly affect a child's daily functioning and quality of life. Identifying and addressing the underlying sleep issues is crucial for managing and improving behavioral outcomes in children.

What is sleep-disordered breathing?

Sleep-disordered breathing refers to a spectrum of breathing abnormalities that occur during sleep, ranging from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves interruptions or changes in normal breathing patterns, often characterized by episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. These disruptions can lead to fragmented sleep, decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and daytime sleepiness.

Sleep-disordered breathing can affect individuals of all ages, but it is prevalent in children and can have significant impacts on their health and well-being if left untreated.

Benefits of using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire

Using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire offers several key benefits for healthcare practitioners, caregivers, and children alike:

Early detection of sleep issues

The questionnaire enables early detection of sleep-related problems such as sleep-disordered breathing and snoring, allowing for prompt intervention and management.

Tailored interventions

By providing insights into specific sleep concerns, the questionnaire facilitates the development of personalized interventions to address each child's unique needs.

Improved sleep quality

Utilizing the questionnaire can improve children's sleep quality, promoting better overall health and well-being.

Enhanced communication

Completing the questionnaire encourages communication between healthcare providers and caregivers, fostering collaborative efforts to optimize the child's sleep health.

Long-term health outcomes

Addressing sleep issues identified through the questionnaire may improve long-term health outcomes, including better cognitive function, behavior, and physical health in children.