Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

12.0K

Sleep Problems in Children With Neurocutaneous Syndromes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lokesh Saini1, Swetlana Mukherjee2, Pradeep Kumar Gunasekaran1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, 410775All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Journal of Child Neurology
|August 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disturbances in children with neurocutaneous syndromes (NCS) affect 47% of patients. However, this prevalence is similar to the general pediatric population, indicating a need for further multicenter research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Neurocutaneous syndromes (NCS) encompass a group of genetic disorders characterized by abnormalities in the skin and nervous system.
  • Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in pediatric populations but are understudied in children with NCS.
  • Understanding sleep patterns in NCS is crucial for comprehensive patient care and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and patterns of sleep disturbances in children diagnosed with various neurocutaneous syndromes.
  • To compare sleep problem rates in children with NCS to those in the general pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.
  • The study included 100 children aged 4–10 years with diagnosed neurocutaneous syndromes.
  • The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Abbreviated was used to assess sleep disturbances.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 47% of the 100 children with neurocutaneous syndromes experienced significant sleep problems.
  • Specific NCS subgroups showed varying prevalence rates, with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex having the highest number of affected children (24/63).
  • The prevalence of sleep problems in this cohort was comparable to that of the general pediatric population.

Conclusions:

  • The study suggests that sleep problems in children with neurocutaneous syndromes may not be more prevalent than in the general pediatric population.
  • Further prospective, multicenter studies are warranted to better understand and characterize sleep disturbances in children with NCS.
  • These findings highlight the need for continued research into the complex interplay between NCS and sleep health.

Keywords:
Children’s Sleep Habits QuestionnaireNeurocutaneous syndromesSleep problems

More Related Videos

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling03:46

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Published on: October 11, 2018

10.3K
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

86.3K

Related Concept Videos

Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

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...
155
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors01:27

Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors

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...
236
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

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.
184
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

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:
1.5K
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

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,...
212
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

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...
364