Aim: To estimate the prevalence of sleep disorders among 7 year old Greek children, and to identify any association with daytime behaviour difficulties as well as any possible biologic or social risk factors. Subjects: A cohort of 8,130 infants born in April 1983 throughout Greece. Measurements: Parents completed a questionnaire and seventy five variables related to child's health, behaviour and family life were modelled through logistic regressions, with dependent variable “sleep disorders”. Results: Sleep disorders were reported in 1,138 children (14%). At increased risk were found to be:left handers forced to change handiness (45%); ambidextrous (30%); with chronic illness (30%); with an accident (22%); watching adventure TV films late at night (20%); and having a mother who gave up her job (15%). A strong positive association was found between sleep disorders and daytime behaviour difficulties (p <1%o).Conclusions: Professionals should not ignore that sleep disturbances are rather common. Helping parents to handle children at increased risk properly may reduce also daytime behaviour difficulties.
