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Sleep Disturbances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Althea Robinson-Shelton1, Beth A Malow2

  • 1Sleep Division, Department of Neurology A-0118 MCN, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA. althea.a.robinson@vanderbilt.edu.

Current Psychiatry Reports
|January 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders frequently experience sleep disturbances like insomnia or hypersomnia. This review covers the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of these sleep issues in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
  • Sleep issues are often integral to diagnostic criteria for many NDDs.
  • The etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disturbances in children with NDDs.
  • To focus on hypersomnia and insomnia symptoms in this population.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on sleep disturbances in NDDs.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations.
  • Synthesis of current treatment approaches.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disturbances manifest as insomnia or hypersomnia in children with NDDs.
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical history and diagnostic tests.
  • Treatment strategies are tailored to specific sleep disorders and underlying NDDs.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are a significant challenge in NDDs.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
  • Integrated approaches are needed to address sleep problems in this vulnerable population.

Keywords:
Angelman syndromeAutism spectrum disorderDown syndromeNeurodevelopmental disordersPrader Willi syndromeSleep disturbancesTrisomy 21

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