Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila
Published on: August 20, 2019
Prader-Willi syndrome: an update
1Section of Genetics & Inherited Metabolic Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Insights
Sleep disorders in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are common, affecting breathing and neurological function. Early recognition and management of excessive daytime sleepiness and other sleep issues are crucial for daily functioning.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated with a wide range of sleep disorders.
- These disorders significantly impact daily functioning, including attention, behavior, and mood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of sleep disorders in PWS.
- To discuss current knowledge regarding the management of these sleep conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies characterizing sleep disorders in PWS.
- Synthesis of information on treatment strategies for PWS-related sleep issues.
Main Results:
- Sleep disorders in PWS encompass respiratory and neurological conditions.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and a modified narcolepsy phenotype are recognized.
- Sleep disturbances contribute to inattention, irritability, and behavioral outbursts.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disorders are a critical consideration in individuals with PWS.
- Effective management strategies are available and important for improving quality of life.
Purpose Of Review:
Sleep disorders in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) range from respiratory to neurological disorders of sleep. We now recognize the role of excessive daytime sleepiness (present in the infant period and throughout life), and a modified narcolepsy phenotype with or without cataplexy. Disordered sleep in PWS may present with symptoms pervasive to daily function, including inattention at school, irritability, and behavioral outbursts. This review highlights the spectrum of sleep disordered breathing and neurological disorders of sleep in individuals with PWS as well as the current knowledge of management.
Recent Findings:
This article covers the literature characterizing sleep disorders in PWS, including treatment strategies.
Summary:
The review highlights the importance of considering disorders of sleep in PWS and the current treatment options.
More Related Videos
05:51A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia
Published on: June 15, 2011
08:22A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations
Published on: December 1, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Pleiotropy
Incomplete Dominance
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Sex-linked Disorders