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Sleep disorders in Down syndrome: a systematic review

Ravenna Araújo Santos1, Lellis Henrique Costa1, Rebeca Coêlho Linhares2

  • 1Universidade Federal Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba PI, Brazil.

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|March 16, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children with Down syndrome (DS) frequently experience sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These conditions can negatively impact cognitive function in individuals with DS.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Genetics and Developmental Disorders
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Sleep disorders are prevalent in individuals with Down syndrome (DS).
  • These sleep disturbances can exacerbate cognitive and behavioral issues in DS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and evaluate sleep disorders in individuals with Down syndrome (DS).

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted using keywords related to Down syndrome and various sleep disorders.
  • Included studies were original research or retrospective reviews published in English between January 2011 and March 2021.
  • Databases searched included PubMed and Science Direct.

Main Results:

  • 52 articles were analyzed, primarily focusing on children and adolescents under 18.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was the most frequently identified sleep disorder in individuals with DS.
  • Sleep-disordered breathing was linked to cognitive dysfunction, and less information was available on parasomnias, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness.

Conclusions:

  • Individuals with Down syndrome have a high risk for sleep-related breathing disorders, with OSA being the most common.
  • Sleep-disordered breathing in DS patients is associated with a decline in cognitive function.
  • Treatment options for OSA include CPAP, surgery, and weight management.
Abstract

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