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Sleep profiles in children with Down syndrome

Julia L Bassell1, Han Phan2, Roberta Leu2

  • 1Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part A
|June 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Most children with Down syndrome (DS) experience sleep problems, often starting young and persisting with age. Ongoing monitoring is crucial, even after surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Down syndrome (DS), caused by Trisomy 21, is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability.
  • Sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are prevalent in DS but frequently overlooked.
  • High prevalence of sleep issues in children with DS necessitates further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess sleep behaviors in children with Down syndrome using a standardized questionnaire.
  • To determine the prevalence and characteristics of sleep problems in this population.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding sleep management in children with DS.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 108 children with DS (ages 1.50–13.40 years).
  • Caregiver-reported sleep behaviors were assessed using the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ).
  • Data analysis focused on identifying patterns and prevalence of sleep issues.

Main Results:

  • 76% of children with DS exhibited significant sleep problems.
  • Sleep issues were reported to begin at a young age and persist or recur with age.
  • Even after adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy for OSA, sleep problems continued in some children.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems are a common and persistent issue in children with Down syndrome.
  • Early recognition and ongoing monitoring of sleep are essential for this population.
  • Interventions and anticipatory guidance are needed to manage sleep disturbances in DS.

Keywords:
Down syndromehealth screeningobstructive sleep apnea

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