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Published on: April 18, 2018
Melatonin profiles and sleep characteristics in boys with fragile X syndrome: a preliminary study
E L Gould1, D Z Loesch, M J Martin
1School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. e.gould@latrobe.edu.au
Insights
Fragile X boys exhibit disrupted sleep patterns and altered melatonin production. This study found increased sleep variability and higher nocturnal melatonin levels in boys with fragile X syndrome compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Chronobiology
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability.
- Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in individuals with fragile X syndrome.
- Melatonin, a key sleep-regulating hormone, has not been extensively studied in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep patterns in boys with fragile X syndrome.
- To compare endogenous melatonin profiles between fragile X boys and typically developing controls.
- To explore potential links between melatonin secretion and sympathetic nervous system activity.
Main Methods:
- Sleep patterns were recorded using a 14-day sleep diary.
- Salivary melatonin levels were assessed over 48 hours from 12 samples.
- Participants included 13 boys with fragile X syndrome and 8 age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Fragile X boys showed greater variability in total sleep time and sleep maintenance difficulties.
- Nocturnal melatonin production (peak level and AUC) was significantly higher in fragile X boys.
- Mean minimum daytime melatonin levels were also significantly elevated in the fragile X group.
Conclusions:
- Boys with fragile X syndrome experience significant sleep disturbances.
- Altered melatonin profiles, including elevated nocturnal and daytime levels, are characteristic of fragile X syndrome.
- Sympathetic nervous system overactivity may contribute to these observed melatonin changes.
Abstract:
Sleep patterns and endogenous melatonin profiles in 13 fragile X boys between the age of 4.7 and 11.0 years were compared to those of 8 age-matched, normal control boys. Parents recorded sleep patterns on a Sleep Diary Chart for 14 consecutive days. Twelve saliva samples were obtained from 8 fragile X participants and all of the controls over 48 hours for the assessment of salivary melatonin profiles. The results showed greater variability in total sleep time and difficulty in sleep maintenance in fragile X boys compared with the control participants. Nocturnal melatonin production, expressed as both peak level and area under the concentration-time curve between 20:00 h and 08:00 h, were found to be significantly larger in fragile X boys than in controls. Additionally, the mean of the minimum daytime melatonin levels recorded was significantly higher for the fragile X group. Elevated levels in some fragile X boys relative to the range seen in controls, occurring either during the day or at night, or in both segments of the secretory profile for some individuals, may be due in part to overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Alternative molecular mechanisms leading to changes in melatonin profiles in fragile X are also discussed.
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