Exploring the Association of Melatonin Levels with Sleep Patterns and Emotional Status of Children Experiencing Online Learning
Abstract
Background: Sleep plays an important role in brain function, impacting critical periods of brain development and maturation. Sleep disturbances in children must be addressed, as they increase the risk of emotional disturbances. Sleep quality has been associated with melatonin levels. However, evidence of the association between sleep quality, emotional disturbance, and melatonin levels in children is still lacking. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the association between sleep and emotional disturbances with melatonin levels in children experiencing online learning. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study involved 82 elementary school students aged 6 - 12 years in Banyumas Regency, West Java, Indonesia, from August to September 2022. Subjects with major depressive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were excluded to minimize potential bias. Salivary melatonin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sleep disturbance was assessed using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), and emotional disturbance was measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The Mann-Whitney test with α < 0.05 was applied to test the difference in melatonin levels among various groups of children with sleep and emotional disturbances. Results: Of the 82 subjects, 7 children (8.5%) experienced sleep and emotional disturbances. The melatonin levels varied widely, with a median of 301.9 pg/mL. No…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 82 participants or records.
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