Sagittal Malocclusion and Sleep Quality in Children

This observational cross-sectional study investigated the potential impact of sagittal skeletal malocclusions on sleep quality in children without orofacial functional disorders. Sleep and craniofacial growth are closely related, and functional disturbances such as atypical swallowing or thumb-sucking are known to influence both airway patency and sleep. To isolate the independent role of skeletal discrepancies, children with orofacial dysfunction were excluded. A total of 164 children aged 7-13 years were evaluated. Sleep quality was measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Based on cephalometric analysis, participants were classified into skeletal Class I, II, or III according to the ANB angle. Additional cephalometric parameters, including mandibular position (SNB), vertical skeletal dimensions (SNGoGn and FMA angles), and two-dimensional upper airway dimensions, were recorded. For each skeletal group, comparisons were made regarding demographic data, sleep scores, and craniofacial measurements. Correlations between CSHQ scores and cephalometric values were further analyzed separately in male and female patients. The results showed significant differences in mandibular positioning across skeletal groups, with males in Class II presenting higher vertical values than those in Class I or III. However, no significant differences were found between skeletal groups in terms of sleep quality or airway dimensions, and no correlation was observed between sleep quality scores and skeletal measurements in either sex. In conclusion, the findings suggest that, in the absence of orofacial functional disorders, sagittal skeletal malocclusions alone may not significantly affect pediatric sleep quality. This study highlights the importance of differentiating skeletal anomalies from functional disturbances when investigating the complex relationship between craniofacial development and sleep in children.

Inclusion criteria

Children aged 7-13 years

Presence of skeletal Class I, II, or III malocclusion (based on ANB angle)

Written informed parental consent

Exclusion criteria

Presence of systemic diseases

Current use of medications such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, or calcium channel blockers

Exposure to stressful life events within the past month

Presence of deleterious oral habits (e.g., thumb sucking, mouth breathing, infantile swallowing)

Signs of tonsillar hypertrophy, nasal deviation, nasal polyps, or adenoid vegetation

Diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)

History of orofacial surgery or orthodontic treatment

Presence of craniofacial anomalies (e.g., cleft lip/palate, syndromes)