Primary headache and sleep disturbances in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess sleep patterns and the prevalence of sleep problems in adolescents with primary headaches using a validated sleep screening instrument, as well as to test the association between headache and pain features and adolescent sleep behaviors.


BACKGROUND
Sleep disturbance is a common complaint that has long been associated with primary headaches, but there exists limited evidence of the headache-sleep relationship among teens.


METHODS
Sixty-nine adolescents aged 13 to 17 years (M= 14.7; SD= 1.4) were evaluated for headaches at 2 pediatric neurology departments (90% migraine; 10% tension-type headache diagnoses). Participants completed the School Sleep Habits Questionnaire and a standardized questionnaire regarding headache characteristics.


RESULTS
Sleep complaints were prevalent among adolescents with headaches including insufficient total sleep (65.7%), daytime sleepiness (23.3%), difficulty falling asleep (40.6%), and night wakings (38%). Statistically significant relationships between headache characteristics (eg, frequency, pain intensity) and teen sleep behaviors also emerged.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings provide further support for an association between headache and sleep disturbances among adolescents with primary headaches. This information may provide further understanding of the nature and course of the patient's headache experience, as well as facilitate treatment planning to include recommendations for promoting good sleep hygiene.
Gilman
Deborah K
DK
Department of Pediatric Psychology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
Palermo
Tonya M
TM
Kabbouche
Marielle A
MA
Hershey
Andrew D
AD
Powers
Scott W
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D051270:Headache Disorders, Primary / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires