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Sleep spindles are reduced in children with Down syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing

Marisha Shetty1, Margot J Davey1,2, Gillian M Nixon1,2

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Pediatric Research
|October 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children with Down syndrome have reduced sleep spindle activity, impacting sleep quality and daytime function. This finding may help identify risks for future cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Children with Down syndrome (DS) face a higher risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
  • Sleep quality is crucial for daytime functioning, and sleep spindles are key indicators.
  • This study examines sleep spindle activity in children with DS and its link to daytime function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare sleep spindle activity between children with DS and typically developing (TD) children.
  • To investigate the relationship between sleep spindle activity and daytime functioning in children with DS.
  • To explore sleep spindle activity as a potential biomarker for SDB-related issues in DS.

Main Methods:

  • Overnight polysomnography was conducted on 44 children with DS and SDB, and matched TD children.
  • Sleep spindles (Fast, Slow, or combined) were manually identified and quantified (number, density, intensity) at central and frontal electrodes.
  • Parent-reported behavioral and sleep-related quality of life data were collected using the Child Behavior Check List and OSA-18.

Main Results:

  • Children with DS exhibited significantly lower frontal (F) slow and combined (F Slow&Fast) sleep spindle activity compared to TD controls.
  • No significant correlations were found between spindle activity and Child Behavior Check List subscales.
  • Reduced central (C) Fast and combined (C Slow&Fast) spindle activity correlated negatively with emotional symptoms, caregiver concerns, and daytime function as per OSA-18.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced sleep spindle activity in children with DS may contribute to sleep disruption and impaired daytime functioning.
  • These findings highlight sleep spindles as a potential biomarker for sleep quality and associated challenges in Down syndrome.
  • Further research may explore the link between reduced spindle activity and long-term cognitive health in children with DS.
Abstract

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