Does Down syndrome affect sleep?

Does Down syndrome affect sleep?

According to the National Institute of Health, 76% of children with Down syndrome experience difficulty with the onset of sleep, their quality of REM sleep, and their ability to stay asleep. The sleep troubles children with Down syndrome face often affect other aspects of their development down the road.

What sleep disorder is extremely prominent in children with Down syndrome?

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and results from an extra chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21). Sleep issues and/or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are assumed to be part of the DS phenotype with a high prevalence but are often under recognized.

Why does Down syndrome cause sleep apnea?

The most common cause of OSA in children is large tonsils and adenoids. Tonsils and adenoids grow most quickly in children between the ages of two and seven years old. Children with Down syndrome are more likely to have OSA because of the following: Their upper airways are usually smaller.

How do you put a child with Down syndrome to sleep?

Children with Down syndrome sleep poorly and have more fragmented sleep

1. Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
2. Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
3. Interact with your child at bedtime.
4. Keep your children from TV programs, movies, and video games that are not right for their age.

How intelligent is a person with Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome usually have an IQ (a measure of intelligence) in the mildly-to-moderately low range and are slower to speak than other children. Some common physical features of Down syndrome include: A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose.

Do Down syndrome babies sleep less?

Babies with Down syndrome may find it harder to develop sleep patterns, get to sleep and stay asleep because their physical features (narrow upper airways, larger tongues and low muscle tone) can make them wake more frequently and make deeper sleep harder to come by.

How do you calm down a child with Down syndrome?

Everyday Tips

1. Give your child chores around the house.
2. Have your child play with other kids who do and don’t have Down syndrome.
3. Keep your expectations high as your child tries and learns new things.
4. Make time to play, read, have fun, and go out together.
5. Support your child in doing day-to-day tasks on their own.

What percentage of people with Down syndrome have sleep apnea?

There is a 50-100% incidence of obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with Down Syndrome, with almost 60% of children with Down syndrome having abnormal sleep studies by age 3.5 – 4 years. The overall incidence of obstructive sleep apnea increases as children grow older.