Longitudinal change in sleep, functional, and behavioural characteristics in a cohort of children with down syndrome
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First published online 14 November 2023
Why this study was done
Many children with Down syndrome have sleep problems that affect their behaviour and daily life. However, it’s not well known how these problems change over time, or whether sleep treatments lead to real improvements. This study looked at how children’s sleep, function, and behaviour changed over 18 months.
What the study did
Researchers followed 57 children with Down syndrome aged 3–16 years for 18 months. The children were divided into three groups:
Those referred to a sleep clinic who received treatment (like surgery or CPAP).
Those referred but only given standard advice.
Children in the community who didn’t receive treatment.
Parents completed surveys about their child’s sleep, daily functioning, and behaviour every six months.
What the study found
Sleep problems were common in all groups, even among children who didn’t attend a sleep clinic.
Medical treatments improved breathing during sleep but didn’t fix all sleep issues.
After 18 months, about 80% of children who received treatment still had serious sleep problems based on parent reports.
There were no major changes in daily function or behaviour over time.
What-this-means
Sleep difficulties in children with Down syndrome often continue even after treatment for sleep apnoea or breathing issues. This shows that medical treatments alone aren’t enough; other causes of poor sleep, such as behavioural or sensory issues, also need attention. Clinicians should regularly check for all types of sleep problems in children with Down syndrome to support better long-term outcomes.
This study was conducted by:
Dr. Jasneek Chawla, Dr. Anne Bernard, Associate Professor Sally Staton, Dr Scott Burgess, Associate Professor Helen Heussler
For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.
Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.
First published online 14 November 2023
Why this study was done
Many children with Down syndrome have sleep problems that affect their behaviour and daily life. However, it’s not well known how these problems change over time, or whether sleep treatments lead to real improvements. This study looked at how children’s sleep, function, and behaviour changed over 18 months.
What the study did
Researchers followed 57 children with Down syndrome aged 3–16 years for 18 months. The children were divided into three groups:
Those referred to a sleep clinic who received treatment (like surgery or CPAP).
Those referred but only given standard advice.
Children in the community who didn’t receive treatment.
Parents completed surveys about their child’s sleep, daily functioning, and behaviour every six months.
What the study found
Sleep problems were common in all groups, even among children who didn’t attend a sleep clinic.
Medical treatments improved breathing during sleep but didn’t fix all sleep issues.
After 18 months, about 80% of children who received treatment still had serious sleep problems based on parent reports.
There were no major changes in daily function or behaviour over time.
What-this-means
Sleep difficulties in children with Down syndrome often continue even after treatment for sleep apnoea or breathing issues. This shows that medical treatments alone aren’t enough; other causes of poor sleep, such as behavioural or sensory issues, also need attention. Clinicians should regularly check for all types of sleep problems in children with Down syndrome to support better long-term outcomes.
This study was conducted by:
Dr. Jasneek Chawla, Dr. Anne Bernard, Associate Professor Sally Staton, Dr Scott Burgess, Associate Professor Helen Heussler
For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.
Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.
