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Links between sleep and daytime behaviour problems in children with Down syndrome
A J Esbensen1, E K Hoffman1, D W Beebe2
1Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|December 29, 2017
Summary
Sleep problems in children with Down syndrome are linked to daytime behavior issues. Parent-reported restless sleep predicted behavioral concerns, while actigraphy data showed links between sleep duration and inattention/hyperactivity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
- Genetics and Rare Diseases
Background:
- Sleep problems are prevalent in children with Down syndrome.
- The impact of sleep issues on daytime behaviors in this population is understudied.
- This research addresses the gap in understanding sleep-behavior relationships in school-aged children with Down syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sleep characteristics and daytime behavior problems in children with Down syndrome.
- To compare parent-reported sleep data with objective actigraphy measurements.
- To examine how sleep duration and quality relate to behavioral concerns reported by parents and teachers.
Main Methods:
- Thirty school-aged children with Down syndrome participated.
- Objective sleep data was collected using actigraphy for one week.
- Parent and teacher questionnaires assessed sleep habits and daytime behaviors (e.g., ADHD symptoms).
Main Results:
- Parent-reported restless sleep predicted behavioral concerns (Nisonger Child Behaviour Rating Form, Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scales).
- Actigraphy-measured sleep duration and parent-reported sleep duration predicted inattention.
- Actigraphy-measured sleep period was associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Conclusions:
- Sleep problems in children with Down syndrome have complex links to daytime behavioral concerns.
- Findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep issues for managing behavioral problems in this population.
- Results inform interventions aimed at improving daytime functioning in school-aged children with Down syndrome.
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