Sleep disorder and epilepsy in children with tuberous sclerosis: a questionnaire-based study

Sleep disorders were investigated in 40 children with tuberous sclerosis (TS) and compared with those found in non-disabled children and those reported in a mixed group with learning disabilities. Significantly higher levels of sleep disturbance were found in the TS group compared with both other groups. Within the TS group, current epilepsy and a high level of daytime behavioural disturbance were significantly associated with sleep disturbance, but pervasive developmental delay and high parental stress levels were not. Detailed study of the relationship between seizure activity and sleep disturbance in tuberous sclerosis is needed.