Objective: To investigate the association between sleep with emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children in Wuhu City. Methods: A cluster sampling survey was conducted among senior class of 12 kindergartens in Wuhu City, a total of 1 158 preschool children were investigated. The self designed questionnaire was used to investigate the general situation and sleep characteristics. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Sleeping Quality Questionnaire for Children Aged 2-5 years were used to investigate their emotional behavior and sleep disorders. Results: About 44.21% of respondents had emotional and behavioral problems, among which peer interaction was the most prominent. There were gender differences in sleeping alone and the need of comforters for sleep. 41.97% of preschool children detected at least one type of sleep disorder, and the detection rate of disturbed sleep was 33.83% in girls, which was higher than that of boys(25.97%). Abnormal sleep and disturbed sleep increased the risk of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool girls( OR=2.33, 95%CI =1.25-4.34; OR=4.92, 95%CI =1.28-19.00), adequate sleep reduced the risk( OR=0.46, 95%CI =0.27-0.77). Abnormal sleep increased the risk of boys emotional and behavioral abnormalities( OR=1.86, 95%CI =1.08-3.19), while sleeping alone reduced the risk( OR=0.59, 95%CI =0.37-0.95). Conclusion Sleep behaviors are associated with the occurrence of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children in a sex specific manner.