Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025
07:33
Noninvasive, High-throughput Determination of Sleep Duration in Rodents
Published on: April 18, 2018
8.0K
Evaluating Sleep Disturbances in Children With Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Syndromes.
Olivia J Veatch1, Beth A Malow2, Hye-Seung Lee3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
Pediatric Neurology
|August 13, 2021
Summary
Children with Rett (RTT), Angelman (AS), and Prader-Willi (PWS) syndromes experience frequent sleep disturbances. Sleep-disordered breathing is common in RTT and PWS, highlighting the need for clinical screening.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Sleep is crucial for neurodevelopment and health.
- Sleep disturbances are more common in children with neurodevelopmental syndromes.
- Rett (RTT), Angelman (AS), and Prader-Willi (PWS) syndromes are genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize sleep behavior in RTT, AS, and PWS.
- Identify effective approaches for treating sleep problems in these populations.
- Compare sleep-related symptoms across syndromes and with typically developing controls.
Main Methods:
- Recruited children from Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network registries.
- Enrolled unaffected siblings as related controls.
- Administered validated sleep questionnaires to parents.
Main Results:
- Analyzed sleep data from 714 participants (ages 2-18).
- Younger children with AS reported more sleep problems than RTT or PWS.
- Older children with RTT had increased daytime sleepiness; RTT showed more sleep-disordered breathing than PWS.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with RTT, AS, and PWS frequently experience sleep problems, including sleep-disordered breathing.
- Clinical assessment and management should include screening for sleep problems in neurogenetic disorders.
- Data can inform treatment strategies and clinical trials for sleep disturbances.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.9K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.9K
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
201
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
Nightmares...
201
01:07Narcolepsy
250
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
250
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
248
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
248
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
548
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
548
01:27Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
294
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
294