Background and purpose: Sleep disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP) are complex and challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate sleep disorders in children with CP based on gross motor function levels.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 76 children with CP (aged 6 to 15 years old) attending rehabilitation centers in Arak, Iran 2016. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) was applied. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V.18 using descriptive statistics, T-test, and Chi-square test.

Results: There were no significant differences between sleep disorders and sex and types of CP (P>0.05). But, a significant difference was found between sleep disorders and gross motor function levels (P<0.05). The most common sleep disorders were difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) that were seen in the children with quadriplegic spastic in the level of V more than those with other types of CP.

Conclusion: The results showed that severe level of gross motor disability (the severity of motor impairment) is related to sleep disorders in children with CP. more training is suggested for children with CP and their caregivers for improving their sleep function.