Impact of Atopic Dermatitis Treatment on Child/Parent Sleep, Daytime Functioning, and Quality of Life

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common childhood disorder that is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes in children and parents, including poor sleep and daytime functioning. Despite this, few studies have examined the impact of treatment for AD on sleep, and even fewer have included validated sleep questionnaires, child report of sleep disturbance, or objective measures of sleep. Objective To address limitations in the literature by examining objective and subjective reports of sleep, as well as measures of daytime functioning before and after admission to an intensive treatment program for AD. Methods Twenty-nine parent-child dyads who presented to an intensive day treatment program participated in this study. Sleep was objectively measured with 1 week of actigraphy both 1 week before admission and 1 month after discharge. Subjective questionnaires of sleep, daytime functioning, and quality of life were completed by children and parents at admission, discharge, 1 month after discharge, and 3 months after discharge. Results Study results highlight the benefit of the treatment program on reducing AD severity, as well as improvements in objectively measured sleep duration and efficiency, self-reported measures of sleep, daytime functioning, and quality of life in children and parents up to 3 months after discharge. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of treatment for child AD on both child and parent health outcomes.