Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Parental perceptions of sleep disturbances and sleep-disordered breathing in children with Down syndrome

Dennis Rosen1, Angela Lombardo, Brian Skotko

  • 1Division of Respiratory Diseases, Children’s Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. dennis.rosen@childrens.harvard.edu

Clinical Pediatrics
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with Down syndrome frequently experience sleep problems like difficulty sleeping and daytime sleepiness. Many children with Down syndrome continue to have obstructive sleep apnea even after surgery, indicating a need for better screening.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Genetics and Rare Diseases

Background:

  • Children with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit higher incidences of sleep disturbances, including difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • These sleep issues can significantly impact the quality of life and overall health of children with DS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of sleep and breathing pattern disturbances in children with Down syndrome.
  • To identify the need for improved screening protocols for sleep disorders in this population.

Main Methods:

  • An anonymous, internet-based questionnaire was administered to parents of children within the Children's Hospital Boston Down Syndrome Program.
  • The survey collected data on sleep patterns, breathing during sleep, and history of surgical interventions like adenotonsillectomy (AT).

Main Results:

  • The study achieved a 46.5% response rate (255/548 parents).
  • More than half of the children experienced DIMS and EDS frequently or almost always.
  • Among parents not concerned about breathing, 11.8% reported witnessed apnea and 4.2% reported gasping/choking episodes monthly. In children post-adenotonsillectomy (AT), 47.5% reported witnessed apnea and 28.9% reported gasping/choking monthly.

Conclusions:

  • There is a significant need for enhanced screening of sleep disturbances and OSA in children with Down syndrome.
  • The high rate of persistent OSA after adenotonsillectomy underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and screening post-surgery.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder04:33

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Published on: April 26, 2024

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...