International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 30 Vol.7; Issue: 8; August 2017 International Journal of Health Sciences and Research www.ijhsr.org ISSN: 2249-9571 Original Research Article Sleep Problems among Rural Preschool Aged Children Dr. Praveen S Bagalkot 1 , Dr. Mayur S. S. 2 1 Prof. Pediatrics Dept., 2 Prof. Community Medicine Dept., SDM Medical College and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka. Corresponding Author: Praveen S Bagalkot ABSTRACT Objective: To study the sleep pattern and sleep problems among rural preschool aged children. Material and Methods: This is community based cross sectional study among preschool children conducted in rural area of Yadwad, Dharwad District from February 2012 to April 2012. Results: A total of 80 preschool aged children were studied. Maximum children 31 (37.50%) were in age group of 49-60 months. 45 (56.25%) children required bedtime patting. 20 (25%) children had nocturnal enuresis and sleep talking. The majority children 23 (28.75%) had bedtime problems and mere 6(7.50%) children had sleep disordered breathing on BEARS screening. Specific sleep problems were more in joint family (χ2 = 12.58, df = 1, p = 0.0004, HS) and working parents. Conclusion: sleep problems in rural preschool children are common and clinically important. The evaluation of sleep in children should be as natural and as routine for the pediatricians as is the evaluation of nutrition, exercise and development. Keywords: BEARS questionnaire; nocturnal enuresis; preschool children; sleep problems INTRODUCTION Sleep has persisted throughout evolution of mammals and birds, so it is likely that it is functionally important. A survey from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) shows that 69% of children of less than 10 years of age experience some type of sleep disturbances. [1] Significant sleep problems affect 25% to 40 % of children and adolescents. [2] These sleep problems tend to persist to childhood, if left untreated. Despite the high prevalence of sleep problems, most Paediatricians do not ask questions about children`s sleep. The survey from community practice shows that Paediatricians acknowledge the importance of sleep problems, but they fail to screen adequately for them. [3] Several studies have demonstrated the association between sleep disorder with cardiovascular and neurocognitive complications. The BEARS is a screening tool developed by the investigators of Brown university school of medicine, Rhode Island Hospital USA. It was designed to address the most common sleep issues in toddlers. Preschoolers and school aged children. [4] The paucity of data in India on the prevalence of sleep pattern and problems in rural preschool aged children has prompted us to carry out this study on the sleep problems of rural preschool aged children using BEARS screening tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS This community based cross- sectional study was conducted in rural area of Yadwad, Dharwad district, which is an rural field practice area of rural Health training Centre, attached to S.D.M. College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka. The rural Health Centre covers a