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Characterisation of sleep problems in children with Williams syndrome

Dagmara Annaz1, Catherine M Hill, Anna Ashworth

  • 1School of Health and Social Science, Middlesex University, London, UK. d.annaz@mdx.ac.uk

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|October 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with Williams syndrome (WS) experience significant sleep problems, with 97% of parents reporting issues like bedtime resistance and daytime sleepiness. Early diagnosis and treatment of these sleep difficulties are crucial for improving daytime functioning in children with WS.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep is essential for cognitive function, learning, and overall health.
  • Sleep disturbances can exacerbate learning and behavioral challenges in children with developmental disorders.
  • Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 20,000 live births.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and specific patterns of sleep problems in school-aged children with Williams syndrome.
  • To investigate if sleep difficulties are a core feature of Williams syndrome.

Main Methods:

  • A survey study involving parents of 64 children aged 6-12 years with Williams syndrome.
  • Comparison with a control group of 92 age-matched healthy children.
  • Utilized the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire and collected general health/background information.

Main Results:

  • A very high prevalence of sleep problems was reported, with 97% of parents of children with WS indicating their child experienced sleep difficulties.
  • Common issues included significant bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety, night waking, and daytime sleepiness.
  • This study represents the first large-scale survey of sleep problems in school-aged children with WS.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems are highly prevalent and a significant characteristic in school-aged children with Williams syndrome.
  • Addressing sleep disturbances early can potentially mitigate learning and behavioral issues.
  • Further research should consider sleep disturbances when diagnosing behavioral disorders in children with learning difficulties.

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