Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Sleep problems of children with Down syndrome in northern China
1Department of Physical Education, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China.
Insights
Sleep problems are common in Chinese children with Down syndrome (DS), with nearly 70% affected. Sleep-disordered breathing and short sleep duration are prevalent issues requiring attention and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Genetics and Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Limited research exists on current sleep issues in Chinese children with Down syndrome (DS).
- This study addresses the prevalence and characteristics of sleep problems in school-aged children with DS in northern China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current sleep problems experienced by school-aged children with Down syndrome (DS) in northern China.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of parents of children with DS was recruited from special education schools in Shandong Province, China.
- The Chinese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was used to assess sleep problems.
Main Results:
- Parents reported an average sleep duration of 9.7 hours, with 62.0% sleeping less than 10 hours.
- The overall prevalence of sleep problems was 69.8%, with sleep-disordered breathing (59.2%), sleep duration (33.8%), and bedtime resistance (32.0%) being most common.
- Younger children (6-8 years) experienced more severe bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety, and parasomnias compared to older children (9-12 years).
Conclusions:
- Sleep problems are significant in children with Down syndrome (DS) in northern China and warrant clinical attention.
- Caregivers and healthcare professionals should increase awareness and implement targeted interventions to enhance sleep quality in this population.
Background:
Limited research has looked at the present-day sleep problems among Chinese children with Down syndrome (DS). This study aimed to investigate the situation of the sleep problems of school-aged children with DS in northern China.
Methods:
Parents of children with DS were a convenience sample recruited through the special education schools of Shandong Province in China. The Chinese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was applied to assess the sleep problems of children with DS.
Results:
Parents of 334 children with DS reported the average sleep duration was 9.7 (9.3-10.2) hours per night, and 62.0% of children with DS were reported sleeping less than 10 h per night. Additionally, the total prevalence rate of sleep problems among children with DS was 69.8%. Sleep-disordered breathing (59.2%), sleep duration (33.8%) and bedtime resistance (32.0%) were the three most commonly reported sleeping problems. Younger children with DS (age 6-8 years) had severe problems with bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety and parasomnias than older children with DS (age 9-12 years) (all P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Sleep problems are prominent among children with DS in northern China and are worthy of attention. Caregivers and health professionals should raise awareness of sleep problems in this group of children and implement targeted interventions to improve their sleep quality as early as possible.
Related Concept Videos
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Narcolepsy
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:

