Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Children and Adolescents across the Weight Spectrum
by
Lilach Kamer
A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Institute of Medical Science University of Toronto
© Copyright by Lilach Kamer 2011
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Children and Adolescents across the Weight Spectrum.
Lilach Kamer
Master of Science
Institute of Medical Science University of Toronto
2011 Abstract
A relationship between overweight and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been suggested in the adult population, and to a limited extent in the pediatric population. Daytime sleepiness can interfere with various components of daytime function. In light of the increase in the rates of pediatric overweight and obesity, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between weight and EDS in a pediatric population.
Using a retrospective approach, data collected in a pediatric sleep clinic was analyzed. Objective
measures of EDS were correlated with age, gender, body mass index percentile, and overnight
sleep test recording variables.
In males and in all children under the age of 13 years old, EDS was more common in those
weighing above the normal range, EDS was present particularly during mid morning hours.
Additionally, weight above the normal range correlated with evidence of EDS after adjusting for
measures of sleep pathologies.