Sleep problems and associations with psychopathology and cognition in young people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) confers a high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in young individuals.
• Sleep disturbances are suspected to contribute to this risk, but their prevalence and specific associations remain under-researched in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and nature of sleep problems in young people with 22q11.2DS.
• To examine the links between sleep disturbances, psychopathology, cognitive function, and motor coordination in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 140 young individuals with 22q11.2DS and 65 unaffected sibling controls were assessed.
• Questionnaires were administered to primary caregivers to evaluate sleep, developmental coordination, and autism spectrum disorder symptoms.
• Cognitive function, psychopathology, and developmental coordination were systematically evaluated.

Main Results:

• Sleep problems were significantly more prevalent in the 22q11.2DS group (60%) compared to controls (23%).
• Two primary sleep patterns emerged: restless sleep, associated with ADHD and executive dysfunction, and insomnia, linked to anxiety, conduct disorder, and developmental coordination disorder.
• Both restless sleep and insomnia patterns correlated with elevated anxiety and developmental coordination disorder symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Sleep problems are a common and significant issue in young people with 22q11.2DS, serving as an indicator for psychiatric and cognitive risks.
• Awareness of these sleep issues is crucial for clinicians and caregivers to address associated neurodevelopmental challenges.
• Further research into the physiological underpinnings of sleep and its relationship with neurodevelopment in 22q11.2DS is warranted.