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The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
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The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

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Sleep and melatonin secretion abnormalities in children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Shery Goril1, Dora Zalai2, Louise Scott3

  • 1Youthdale Child and Adolescent Sleep Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Collaborative Program in Neurosciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Sleep Medicine
|October 4, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) experience frequent sleep disturbances and abnormal melatonin secretion. Addressing these sleep and circadian rhythm issues is crucial for effective management in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Circadian Biology

Background:

  • Caregivers report high rates of sleep disturbances in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
  • Objective data on sleep disorders and melatonin secretion in this population are limited.
  • Animal models suggest prenatal alcohol exposure impacts sleep-wake patterns and melatonin regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To objectively evaluate sleep abnormalities and melatonin secretion in children and adolescents diagnosed with FASD.
  • To utilize gold-standard measures, including polysomnography and dim light melatonin onset testing.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted clinical assessments, overnight polysomnography (PSG), and dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) tests on 36 children and adolescents (6-18 years) with FASD.
  • Analyzed PSG data for sleep architecture and compared it with normative data.
  • Evaluated melatonin secretion profiles and classified sleep disorders based on international criteria.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of sleep disorders (58%) was observed, with parasomnias (27.9%) and insomnia (16.8%) being most common.
  • Sleep studies revealed lower sleep efficiency and increased sleep fragmentation.
  • The majority of participants (79%) exhibited abnormal melatonin profiles.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep and melatonin secretion abnormalities are prevalent in children with FASD.
  • Effective management requires addressing both sleep issues and potential circadian rhythm dysregulation.
  • This study highlights the need for integrated approaches to managing sleep problems in FASD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

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