Study connects skin disease and sleep, mental health struggles in children
Facts at your Fingertips
By Megan Bennett, Staff Writer, December 1, 2025
Kids with inflammatory skin conditions have increased risk of also developing sleep and psychological issues. A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology breaks down the risk by disease and their comorbidities.
The study analyzed data from pediatric patients ages 5 to 17 from 55 health care networks with psoriasis, urticaria, and atopic dermatitis (AD). Authors concluded that sleep apnea and hypersomnia affected all three groups but was highest among kids with psoriasis. Children with urticaria and AD also had increased risk of insomnia.
All three conditions were linked to elevated risk of anxiety, depression, and fatigue in kids, with psoriasis having higher rates of depression and fatigue. Urticaria carried the highest risk for anxiety disorders. Psoriasis patients also had increased risk of unspecified weakness, and urticaria patients also reported the most incidents of pain.
Study authors note that not monitoring and treating the associated sleep disorders can result in not only physical and psychological issues, but also underachievement in school and lower quality of life.
See the graphic below for further details.
