Melatonin use in managing insomnia in children with autism and other neurogenetic disorders - An assessment by the international pediatric sleep association (IPSA).

Though it is widely prescribed for improving sleep of children with autism and other neurogenetic disorders, there is a need for practical guidance to clinicians on the use of melatonin for managing insomnia in this population. Because data were either lacking or inconclusive, a task force was established by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) to examine the literature based on clinical trials from 2012 onwards. A summary of evidence pertaining to melatonin's utility and potential side effects, practice-related caveats, and insights for use are published herewith.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Mental Health Disorders in the Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Population-based Cohort Study.

RATIONALE: Information is limited about the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and mental disorders in children. OBJECTIVES: In children, (1) to evaluate the association between OSA and new mental healthcare encounters; (2) to compare mental healthcare encounters two years post- to pre-OSA treatment initiation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study using Ontario health administrative data (Canada). Children (0-18 years) who underwent diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) 2009-2016 and met criteria for definition of moderate-severe OSA (PSG-OSA) were propensity score weighted by baseline characteristics and compared to children who underwent a PSG in the same period but did not meet the OSA definition (PSG-No-OSA). Children were followed until March 2021. Weighted cause-specific Cox Proportional Hazards and Modified Poisson regression models were used to compare time from PSG to first mental healthcare encounter and frequency of new mental healthcare encounters per person time, respectively. Among those who underwent adenotonsillectomy (AT) or were prescribed and claimed positive airway pressure therapy (PAP), we used age-adjusted conditional logistic regression models to compare two years post- to pre-treatment odds of mental healthcare encounters. RESULTS: Of 32,791 children analyzed, 7,724 (23.6%) children met criteria for moderate-severe OSA. In PSG-OSA group, 7,080 (91.7%) were treated (AT or PAP). Compared to PSG-No-OSA, the PSG-OSA group had a shorter time from PSG to first mental healthcare encounter (HR: 1.08; 95%CI: 1.05-1.12), but less frequent mental healthcare encounters in follow-up (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97). OSA treatment (AT or PAP) was associated with lower odds of mental healthcare encounters two years post-treatment initiation compared to two years prior (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.65-0.74). CONCLUSION: In this large population-based study of children who underwent PSG for sleep disorder assessment, OSA diagnosis/treatment was associated with an improvement in some mental health indicators, such as fewer new mental healthcare encounters compared to no OSA, and lower odds of mental healthcare encounters compared to pre-OSA treatment.

Poor sleep quality and its associated neurocognitive function in children with obesity with or without obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations of OSA severity, snoring symptoms, subjective sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness with executive functioning and behaviors in children with obesity. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of children aged 8-18 years with obesity and symptoms suggestive of OSA. All participants underwent an overnight polysomnography and completed a set of questionnaires to assess their sleep-related breathing disordered (SRBD) symptoms [Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (SRBD-PSQ)], sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], executive function [Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)], and inattention and hyperactivity symptoms (Conners-3 Parent Short Form). RESULTS: A total of 85 children (62% male, mean age: 13.9 ± 3.0 years) were included in this analysis, of whom 36, 16, and 33 were categorized into the non-OSA (obstructive apnea hypopnea index, OAHI < 1.5/h), mild OSA (OAHI 1.5-5/h), and moderate-severe OSA (OAHI ≥ 5/h) groups, respectively. Of 85 participants, 27 (32%) were classified with poor sleep quality (PSQI composite score ≥ 8). From multiple linear regression analyses, poor sleep quality and sleepiness were both independently associated with higher BRIEF behavioral regulation T-score, metacognition T-score, and global executive composite T-score in the fully adjusted model. In addition, poor sleep quality was also independently associated with higher Conners-3 inattention and executive functioning T-scores, while greater sleepiness was also associated with a higher learning problem T-score. The presence of OSA and snoring were not associated with any cognitive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, but not OSA severity and snoring symptoms, were independently associated with executive functioning and behavioral problems in children with obesity.

Identification of obstructive sleep apnea in children with obesity: A cluster analysis approach.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a heterogeneous disorder with a prevalence of 25%-60% in children with obesity. There is a lack of diagnostic tools to identify those at high risk for OSA. METHOD: Children with obesity, aged 8-19 years old, were enrolled into an ongoing multicenter, prospective cohort study related to OSA. We performed k-means cluster analysis to identify clinical variables which could help identify obesity related OSA. RESULTS: In this study, 118 participants were included in the analysis; 40.7% were diagnosed with OSA, 46.6% were female and the mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) and age were 39.7 (9.6) Kg/m², and 14.4 (2.6) years, respectively. The mean (SD) obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) was 11.0 (21.1) events/h. We identified two distinct clusters based on three clustering variables (age, BMI z-score, and neck-height ratio [NHR]). The prevalence of OSA in clusters 1 and 2, were 22.4% and 58.3% (p = 0.001), respectively. Children in cluster 2, in comparison to cluster 1, had higher BMI z-score (4.7 (1.1) versus 3.2 (0.7), p < 0.001), higher NHR (0.3 (0.02) versus 0.2 (0.01), p < 0.001) and were older (15.0 (2.2) versus 13.7 (2.9) years, p = 0.09), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in sex and OSA symptoms between the clusters. The results from hierarchical clustering were similar to k-means analysis suggesting that the resulting OSA clusters were stable to different analysis approaches. INTERPRETATION: BMI, NHR, and age are easily obtained in a clinical setting and can be utilized to identify children at high risk for OSA.

Lengthening sleep reduces pain in childhood arthritis: a crossover randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common chronic childhood disease and chronic pain is a debilitating feature. A strong link has been shown between poor sleep and pain in JIA. However, the causal direction is unknown. This study's aim was to determine if, in adolescents with JIA, a recommended healthful sleep duration leads to reductions in pain when compared with the restricted sleep (RS) duration that is commonly seen. METHODS: Patients with JIA (12-18 years old; pain score of ≥1 on a visual analogue scale) participated in a randomised, crossover sleep manipulation protocol. The 3-week protocol comprised a baseline week (BL), a week with healthy sleep duration (HSD; 9.5 hours in bed/night) and a RS week (RS; 6.5 hours in bed/night). After BL, participants were randomly assigned to either HSD or RS, and then crossed over to the other condition. Pain was self-assessed using the iCanCope with Pain app. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate the effect of sleep duration on pain. RESULTS: Participants (n=31; mean age=15.0±1.8 years) averaged 1.4 (95% credible interval (CrI) 1.2-1.6) more hours of sleep per night during HSD relative to RS. Compared with RS, HSD resulted in a favourable effect on pain scores (OR 0.61, 95% CrI 0.39-0.95). CONCLUSION: It is possible to have adolescents with childhood arthritis get a healthier sleep duration, and this longer sleep results in reduced pain. These findings complement prior correlational studies and confirm a causal relationship between reduced sleep duration and increased pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04133662.

Adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in children with cerebral palsy: Risks and benefits.

OBJECTIVES: To determine outcomes following adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the impact of motor and swallowing impairment on respiratory complications in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). METHODS: A retrospective review of children with CP and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) who underwent adenotonsillectomy (2003-2021) was performed. Children with CP were age-matched to children without CP. Motor and swallowing function was assessed using the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) and the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS). The primary outcome was postoperative obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI). Secondary outcomes were cure rate, complications, and need for additional interventions. RESULTS: Ninety-seven children with CP were assessed for SDB, and 74 underwent polysomnography. Moderate or severe OSA was found in 49% (36/74). Adenotonsillectomy was performed in 30% (29/97). All children who underwent adenotonsillectomy experienced an initial reduction in OAHI (31.7/h to 2.9/h, p < 0.0001). Children with CP were less likely to achieve an OAHI<1 compared with children without CP (62.5% vs 81.8%, p = 0.23). Children with CP had more postoperative complications (43.5% vs. 8.7%) and greater odds of respiratory complications compared with children without CP (OR 8.9 95% CI 2.1-37.9). Children with CP and a GMFCS score of 5 and EDACS score between 3 and 5 had more respiratory complications post-adenotonsillectomy compared to those with GMFCS<5 (p = 0.002) and EDACS<3 (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Children with CP had an improved OAHI initially following adenotonsillectomy but had higher rates of post-adenotonsillectomy complications. Respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy were more common in children with motor and swallowing impairment. Findings may provide better preoperative planning for caregivers.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Pediatric Pulmonary Workforce: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

Despite growing recognition of the need for increased diversity among students, trainees, and faculty in health care, the medical workforce still lacks adequate representation from groups historically underrepresented in medicine (URiM). The subspecialty field of pediatric pulmonology is no exception. Although there have been efforts to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our own field, gaps persist. To address these gaps, the members of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group (DEI-AG) of the American Thoracic Society Pediatrics Assembly created and distributed a Needs Assessment Survey in the United States and Canada to better understand the racial and ethnic demographics of the pediatric pulmonary workforce and to learn more about successes, gaps, and opportunities to enhance how we recruit, train, and retain a diverse workforce. The DEI-AG leadership cochairs convened a workshop to review the findings of the DEI Needs Assessment Survey and to develop strategies to improve the recruitment and retention of URiM fellows and faculty. This Official ATS Workshop Report aims to identify barriers and opportunities for recruitment, training, and career development within the field of pediatric pulmonology. Additionally, we offer useful strategies and resources to improve the recruitment of URiM residents, the mentorship of trainees and junior faculty, and the career development of URiM faculty in academic centers. This Workshop Report is an important first deliverable by the DEI-AG. We hope that this work, originating from within the Pediatrics Assembly, will serve as a model for other Assemblies, disciplines across the ATS, and other fields in Pediatrics.

Providing culturally responsive care in a pediatric setting: are our trainees ready?

BACKGROUND: Extensive data consistently demonstrates inequities in access and delivery of healthcare for patients from historically marginalized populations, resulting in poorer health outcomes. To address this systemic oppression in healthcare, it is necessary to embed principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at an early stage within medical education. This study aimed to assess pediatric trainees' perceived interest in EDI curricula as well as their confidence in applying this knowledge to provide culturally responsive care. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to pediatric trainees at the University of Toronto. Closed-ended questions used a Likert scale to assess respondents' confidence and interest in providing culturally responsive care to patients. Open-ended questions explored trainees' perceptions of effective EDI learning modalities. A mixed methods approach was utilized, where quantitative data was summarized using descriptive statistics and descriptive content analysis was used to highlight themes within qualitative data. RESULTS: 116 pediatric trainees completed the survey, of which 72/116 (62%) were subspecialty residents/fellows and 44/116 (38%) were core residents. 97% of all responses agreed or strongly agreed that it was important to learn about providing culturally responsive care to patients from historically marginalized communities; however, many trainees lacked confidence in their knowledge of providing culturally responsive care (42%) and applying their knowledge in clinical practice (47%). Respondents identified direct clinical exposure through rotations, immersive experiences, and continuity clinics as effective EDI teaching modalities. Identified barriers included time constraints in the clinical environment, burnout, and lack of exposure to diverse patient populations. CONCLUSION: Most pediatric trainees want to provide culturally responsive care to patients from historically marginalized communities, but do not feel confident in their knowledge to do so. Trainees value learning about EDI through direct clinical exposure and immersive experiences, rather than didactic lectures or modules. These study findings will be utilized to develop and implement an enhanced EDI education curriculum for pediatric trainees at the University of Toronto and other postgraduate residency programs.

The association between sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea with health-related quality of life in children with obesity.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and poor sleep quality are highly prevalent in children with obesity, but their individual associations with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are unknown in this population. The primary objective was to describe the independent association of OSA and sleep quality with HRQOL in children with obesity. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of children with obesity at 2 tertiary care centers. Sleep quality and HRQOL were measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaires, respectively. Multivariable regression models were created to evaluate associations between OSA and sleep quality with HRQOL. RESULTS: There were 98 children (median age 15.0 years, median body mass index z-score 3.8, 44% females). Among the study population, 49/98 (50%) children reported poor sleep quality, 41/98 (42%) children had OSA, and 52/98 (53%) children reported impaired HRQOL. Self-reported poor sleep quality was independently associated with reduced HRQOL, whereas the presence of OSA was not. Children with poor sleep quality had a reduced Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory score by 8.8 compared to children with good sleep quality (95% confidence interval, 2.6-14.9; P = .006), when adjusting for age, sex, body mass index z-score, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood/anxiety disorder, and study site. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study of children with obesity, we found that HRQOL was more strongly associated with the self-reported experience of sleep than the presence of OSA. Clinicians should assess and optimize sleep quality as part of the evaluation for OSA in children with obesity. CITATION: Xiao L, Voutsas G, Ryan CM, Katz SL, Narang I. The association between sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea with health-related quality of life in children with obesity. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(11):1877-1883.

Heated humidified high flow nasal cannula therapy in children with obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized cross-over trial.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in children with obesity and/or underlying medical complexity. The first line of therapy, adenotonsillectomy (AT), does not cure OSA in more than 50% of these children. Consequently, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the main therapeutic option but adherence is often poor. A potential alternative which may be associated with greater adherence is heated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy; however, its efficacy in children with OSA has not been systematically investigated. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of HFNC with CPAP to treat moderate-to-severe OSA with the primary outcome measuring the change from baseline in the mean obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (OAHI). PARTICIPANTS/METHODS: This was a single-blinded randomized, two period crossover trial conducted from March 2019 to December 2021 at a Canadian pediatric quaternary care hospital. Children aged 2-18 years with obesity and medical complexity diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSA via overnight polysomnography and recommended CPAP therapy were included in the study. Following diagnostic polysomnography, each participant completed two further sleep studies; a HFNC titration study and a CPAP titration study (9 received HFNC first, and 9 received CPAP first) in a random 1:1 allocation order. RESULTS: Eighteen participants with a mean ± SD age of 11.9 ± 3.8 years and OAHI 23.1 ± 21.7 events/hour completed the study. The mean [95% CI] reductions in OAHI (-19.8[-29.2, -10.5] vs. -18.8 [-28.2, -9.4] events/hour, p = 0.9), nadir oxygen saturation (7.1[2.2, 11.9] vs. 8.4[3.5, 13.2], p = 0.8), oxygen desaturation index (-11.6[-21.0, -2.3] vs. -16.0[-25.3, -6.6], p = 0.5) and sleep efficiency (3.5[-4.8, 11.8] vs. 9.2[0.9, 15.5], p = 0.2) with HFNC and CPAP therapy were comparable between conditions. CONCLUSION: HFNC and CPAP therapy yield similar reductions in polysomnography quantified measures of OSA severity among children with obesity and medical complexities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05354401 ClinicalTrials.gov.

Sleep quality, physical activity, screen time, and substance use in children with obesity: associations with obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and lifestyle habits in children with obesity is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine whether there was an association between lifestyle patterns (sleep quality, physical activity, recreational screen time, and substance use) and OSA presence and severity in children with obesity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited children with obesity, aged 8-17 years, who were referred to undergo polysomnography. Children completed questionnaires on sleep quality, physical activity, recreational screen time, and substance use. Children also had a diagnostic polysomnography. The association between questionnaire scores and OSA severity, after adjusting for body mass index z-score, age, and sex, was evaluated using negative binomial multiple regression. Correlations were conducted between sleep quality, physical activity, screen time, substance use, and OSA severity. RESULTS: A total of 100 children were included in the analysis (mean age: 14.3 ± 2.6 years; 44% female; mean body mass index z-score: 2.5 ± 0.4; 65% with OSA). In the adjusted regression analysis, each additional substance-use behavior was associated with a 17% (95% confidence interval: 1%, 36%) increase in OSA severity. Correlations were identified between poorer sleep quality and lower physical activity (r = -.42), poorer sleep quality and more substance-use behaviors (r = .40), and greater physical activity and less substance-use behaviors (r = -.26). CONCLUSIONS: In children with obesity, more substance-use behaviors were independently associated with greater OSA severity. As there are complex, bidirectional relationships between lifestyle behaviors and OSA severity, interventions need to be comprehensive and multifactorial to ensure successful treatment of OSA and its sequelae in children. CITATION: Blinder H, Narang I, Chaput J-P, Katz SL; on behalf of the Canadian Sleep and Circadian Network. Sleep quality, physical activity, screen time, and substance use in children with obesity: associations with obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(3):511-518.

Unexplained Significant Central Sleep Apnea in Infants: Clinical Presentation and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Unexplained significant central sleep apnea in term infants presents as central apneas with associated oxygen desaturations requiring respiratory support and monitoring for prolonged periods. However, there is a paucity of literature describing idiopathic central sleep apnea (ICSA) in term or near-term infants. Our aim was to describe the clinical manifestations, polysomnography data, interventions, and trajectory of ICSA in infants. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of infants (gestational age ≥ 35 weeks) who presented with significant central apneas and were subsequently diagnosed with ICSA following polysomnography and clinical investigations between January 2011 and April 2021 at a tertiary care hospital in Canada. Polysomnography data, clinical investigations, and treatments were documented. RESULTS: Eighteen infants (male, 78%; median gestational age 38 weeks) with ICSA were included. Initial polysomnograms were completed at a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 1.2 (0.6-1.6) months (n = 18) and follow-up polysomnograms at 12.4 (10.6-14.0) months (n = 13). Compared to baseline diagnostic polysomnograms, at follow-up there was a significant reduction in the median (IQR) central apnea-hypopnea index (26.1 [18.2-52.9] versus 4.2 [2.6-7.2] events/hour; p = 0.001), desaturation index (30.9 [12.2-57.4] versus 3.9 [3.0-7.9] events/hour; p = 0.002), average transcutaneous carbon dioxide (41.9 [40.1-47.3 versus 39.4 [37.5-42.7] mmHg; p = 0.025), and improved nadir oxygen saturation (79.8 [69.1-83.0] versus 85.5 [83.2-87.8]%; p = 0.033), respectively. Prescribed treatments included supplemental oxygen (14/18, 78%), caffeine (5/18, 28%), and noninvasive ventilation (1/18, 6%). CONCLUSIONS: Infants with significant unexplained ICSA have a favorable clinical trajectory over time. Further research is needed to understand the etiology of this rare disorder.

Persistent obstructive sleep apnoea in children: treatment options and management considerations.

Unresolved obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) after an adenotonsillectomy, henceforth referred to as persistent OSA, is increasingly recognised in children (2-18 years). Although associated with obesity, underlying medical complexity, and craniofacial disorders, persistent OSA also occurs in otherwise healthy children. Inadequate treatment of persistent OSA can lead to long-term adverse health outcomes beyond childhood. Positive airway pressure, used as a one-size-fits-all primary management strategy for persistent childhood OSA, is highly efficacious but has unacceptably low adherence rates. A pressing need exists for a broader, more effective management approach for persistent OSA in children. In this Personal View, we discuss the use and the need for evaluation of current and novel therapeutics, the role of shared decision-making models that consider patient preferences, and the importance of considering the social determinants of health in research and clinical practice. A multipronged, comprehensive approach to persistent OSA might achieve better clinical outcomes in childhood and promote health equity for all children.

Evaluating symptoms and polysomnographic findings among male and female children with obesity with and without obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Limited data regarding sex-based differences in the presentation and phenotype of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exists among children with obesity. The study objectives were to compare reported symptoms and polysomnogram (PSG) findings between children with obesity 1) with and without OSA and 2) males and females with OSA. PATIENTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study included children with obesity, aged 8-18 years, with a diagnostic PSG between 2015 and 2021, referred for evaluating sleep-related breathing. Patient demographics, anthropometrics, and PSG data were recorded. Symptoms were evaluated using Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. Pubertal staging was collected using Tanner Stage questionnaire. PSG parameters, symptoms and pubertal stage were compared between sexes with and without OSA. RESULTS: Of 148 children, 61 (41%) had OSA. Within the OSA group, 41/62 (69%) were male (p = 0.002). Males with OSA reported higher Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire scores compared to males without OSA (0.38 ± 0.2 vs 0.23 ± 0.1; p = 0.002). Males with OSA reported more trouble breathing (p = 0.04) and mouth breathing (p = 0.008) compared to females with OSA. Females with OSA showed longer sleep onset latency (45.8 ± 40.6 min vs 22.4 ± 26.7; p = 0.02) and higher supine obstructive-apnea hypopnea index (32.9 ± 31.1 vs 20.4 ± 18.4 events/hour; p = 0.02) compared to males with OSA. A significant interaction was found between male sex and waist-to-height ratio (ß = 15.34, R2 = 0.18, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in symptoms and phenotype of OSA exist among children with obesity. Such information is beneficial for early diagnosis and management to mitigate adverse outcomes and comorbidities.

National strategy on the integration of sleep and circadian rhythms into public health research and policies: Report from the Canadian Sleep and Circadian Network.

Scientists in sleep and circadian rhythms, public health experts, healthcare providers, partners, and stakeholders convened in 2020 for a 2-day meeting organized by the Canadian Sleep and Circadian Network to develop a national strategy for integrating sleep and circadian rhythms into public health and policies in Canada. The objective of this paper is to present the national strategy that emerged from this meeting of 60 participants from across Canada. The meeting focused on 4 key target priorities: (1) atypical working schedules, (2) sleep and circadian rhythms of children and adolescents, (3) insomnia, and (4) impact of sleep apnea on health. Following constructive discussions, it was decided that the following 4 strategic objectives should be prioritized to accelerate the integration of sleep and circadian rhythms into public health policies in Canada: (1) increase public health sleep and circadian rhythm research, (2) increase public health education and knowledge mobilization on sleep, (3) inform and support public health sleep interventions and policies, and (4) promote sleep health training. Participants recommended that research and public health efforts address needs along the continuum of sleep health. The committee noted that strategies and interventions could differ across contexts, settings, sectors, and jurisdictions. The national strategy also identified high-priority research questions in public health and recommended mechanisms to build research capacity, providing a path forward for the integration of sleep and circadian rhythms into public health research and policies.

Longitudinal Associations Between Sleep Habits, Screen Time and Overweight, Obesity in Preschool Children.

Introduction: Decreased sleep duration and increased screen time as early as preschool age may contribute to overweight and obesity. The effects of bedtime together with nocturnal sleep duration remain unclear with a paucity of data evaluating these associations longitudinally. We aim to evaluate the independent and joint effects of sleep duration, sleep bedtime, and screen time at 3 years of age on BMI status, particularly overweight and obesity by age 5 years. Methods: Data from 2185 participants of the CHILD Cohort Study were analyzed longitudinally using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Models included changes in overweight/obesity status from 3 to 5 years of age as outcome, and nocturnal sleep duration, bedtime, and daily screen time at 3 years of age as explanatory variables. The joint effects of nocturnal sleep time and excess screen time, late bedtime on overweight/obesity were subsequently analyzed. Results: The median nocturnal sleep time at 3 and 5 years of age was 11.0 hours/night [IQR 10.5, 11.5]. A total of 14.5% children went to bed after 9PM at 3 years and 7.2% at 5 years. Median screen time was 1.0 hr/day [IQR 1.0, 2.0] at both ages. Longitudinal analyses showed that sleeping less than 10.5 hours at age 3 years was associated with 46% greater odds of overweight/obesity by age 5 years (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07, 2.00). The risk was higher when coupled with late bedtime after 9pm (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12, 2.31). Children with both short nocturnal sleep duration and excess screen time (>1hr/day) had twice the associated risk of overweight/obesity by age 5 years (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.34, 2.88). Conclusion: Nocturnal sleep duration and screen time are modifiable risk factors in young children, which may have important implications for obesity prevention as early as infancy.

To Wear or Not Wear the Mask: Decline in Positive Airway Pressure Usage in Children with Sleep Disordered Breathing During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is an effective treatment prescribed to children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB); however, PAP adherence remains challenging. Given that COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact sleep and daily life, the aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinal trajectory of PAP usage in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Children aged 1-18 years with SDB prescribed PAP at The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada) were evaluated for PAP adherence. Demographics, medical history and PAP adherence data during four consecutive 3-month time periods from December 2019 to December 2020 were collected. These four time periods included i) prior to COVID-19 lockdown, ii) during the first three months of lockdown, iii) summer and iv) return to school period. Percentage of days where PAP was used for ≥4 hours and average nightly usage of PAP were primary outcomes. Results: A total of 149 children (61.7% male, mean (±SD) age=12.8 ± 4.1 years, BMI (±SD) z-score=1.45±1.43) were enrolled. Compared to prior to lockdown, the median (IQR) of percentage of PAP usage ≥4 hours and average nightly usage of PAP declined significantly during the summer and return to school periods (p<0.001 for all). By the end of the return to school period, only 69/149 (46%) showed sustained PAP usage and 80/149 (54%) had decreased PAP usage. Obesity was a risk factor for a decline in PAP usage after returning to school (ß=-15.36, p=0.03). Conclusion: Compared to COVID-19 pre-pandemic PAP usage, there was a significant decline in PAP usage across COVID-19 pandemic. There is critical under usage of PAP in children diagnosed with SDB, resulting in an urgent need to address barriers to mitigate poor adherence to PAP long-term. Targeted strategies are required to optimize PAP adherence in children with SDB.