Sex differences in sleep disturbances in middle childhood: findings from an urban pediatric cohort study

STUDY OBJECTIVES: While sleep differs in adult males and females, its variation by sex during childhood is less understood. We examined sex differences in sleep measures in children and explored the influences of selective socio-demographic and health-related factors on these associations. METHODS: The cohort included 323 participants aged 6-12 years who resided predominantly in low-income urban neighborhoods. Sleep duration and maintenance efficiency were assessed using wrist actigraphy. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) was assessed from overnight in-home testing. Validated questionnaires assessed sleep-related impairment and sleep disturbance. Linear and logistic regression modeled associations between sex and sleep outcomes, testing for effect modification by demographics, indoor environment, and neighborhood factors. RESULTS: Male children had higher odds for short sleep duration (