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Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
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Sleep disorder assessment in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders

Camila Dos Santos El Halal1, Magda Lahorgue Nunes2

  • 1Escola de Medicina da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|September 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders frequently experience sleep disorders. Early diagnosis and management of these sleep issues are crucial for improving their overall health and development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Clinical Genetics

Background:

  • Sleep disorders are common in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
  • NDDs include autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, and genetic syndromes like Down syndrome.
  • Sleep disturbances can significantly impact the health and development of affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the associations between NDDs and prevalent sleep disorders in children and adolescents.
  • To focus on the clinical characteristics and diagnostic approaches for these co-occurring conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed.
  • Keywords included "neurodevelopmental disorders," "sleep disorders," and specific sleep disorder types.
  • Reference lists of selected articles were also reviewed for additional relevant studies.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in children with NDDs, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and intellectual disability.
  • Genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome, Smith-Magenis, Prader-Willi, and mucopolysaccharidosis type II are associated with increased sleep disturbances.
  • Anatomical, biological, and behavioral factors contribute to these associations.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disorders are more common in pediatric populations with NDDs.
  • Targeted diagnostic strategies, including clinical history and specific questionnaires, are essential.
  • Effective management of sleep disorders is vital for improving long-term outcomes in children with NDDs.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdolescenceChildhoodNeurodevelopmental disordersSleepSleep disorders

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