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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations
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Published on: February 2, 2024

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Sleep Disturbances and Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Review

Rebecca A Rausch1, Caroline Miller2, Amelia Hensler1

  • 1Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|November 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience sleep disturbances, impacting their quality of life. This review highlights recent research on CP sleep issues and associated concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Disabilities

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) is associated with numerous comorbidities affecting daily life and psychosocial well-being.
  • Sleep disturbances are a prevalent and recognized issue among youth with CP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct an updated narrative review of recent research on sleep disturbances and disorders in children and adolescents with CP.
  • To synthesize current knowledge on the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of sleep problems in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was performed on the PubMed database.
  • Articles published between August 2019 and August 2024 focusing on sleep in youth with CP were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disturbances and disorders are more frequent in children and adolescents with CP.
  • These sleep issues negatively impact quality of life and are linked to behavior, pain, comorbidities, and physical activity.
  • Caregiver burden is also associated with sleep concerns in youth with CP.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are common in youth with CP, impacting multiple aspects of their health and well-being.
  • Findings underscore the need for addressing sleep issues in this population.
  • Treatment approaches align with those for typically developing children or those with other neurodevelopmental disorders, with future research directions identified.

Keywords:
adolescentscerebral palsychildrensleep disorderssleep disturbances

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