Prevalence of sleep disorders in Turkish children and adolescents: a national systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of sleep disturbances in children is recognized as far higher than previously estimated. Furthermore, data previously collected in Türkiye have not been thoroughly consolidated, and there are notable variations across research reporting prevalence rates. This meta-analysis seeks to assess the general prevalence of sleep disturbances among children and adolescents in Türkiye and to identify factors that may contribute to potential heterogeneity.

Methods: The meta-analysis was performed as a systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration. Studies were performed in international platforms (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and local academic portals (TR Index, Türkiye Atıf Endeksi) including research published till September 2025. The study included all relevant observational studies performed in Türkiye that involved children or adolescents and evaluated sleep disorders utilizing validated scales.

Results: Fourteen studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria for the systematic review were analyzed, and ten studies including a total of 11,665 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. The combined prevalence of sleep disorders was 51.6% (95% CI: 34.8-68.3). Significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies (I² = 99.3%, p < 0.001). In subgroup analyzes, differences in prevalence estimates were observed according to age group, study period, and type of measurement tool; however, these variables did not fully explain the heterogeneity in the meta-regression model. Higher prevalence estimates were observed particularly in adolescent populations, during the COVID-19/post-pandemic period, and in studies using self-report instruments.

Conclusion: Sleep-related problems among Turkish children and adolescents may represent an important and underrecognized public health concern. Prevalence estimates varied across age groups, assessment methods, and study periods, although these factors did not fully explain the observed heterogeneity. These findings highlight the importance of integrating culturally appropriate screening tools into routine pediatric practice to facilitate early identification and intervention.

Registration: PROSPERO (CRD420251129775).