Down Syndrome is the most common genetic disorder affecting nearly 1 in 700 births in the United States each year. Unfortunately, children with Down syndrome also experience more sleep disorders than the average child with sleep apnea and insomnia being the most common.
Dyssomnias are disorders related to initiating or maintaining sleep. They can also relate to excessive sleepiness plagued by symptoms that disturb the amount and quality of sleep a child receives. One common category of dyssomnias is sleep-wake disorders, also known as, circadian rhythm disorders. With natural development and positive caretaking, many dyssomnias will decrease or be eliminated over time.
Children with Down syndrome are often affected by anxiety, especially prior to bedtime. Anxiety, whether in those with Down syndrome or not, is the primary reason that people suffer from insomnia. Insomnia related to anxiety is often caused by stress, fear of the unknown, or worrying about the past and/or future.
While sleep apnea may affect only 2 to 5 percent of average children, the number of DS children with sleep apnea can be as high as 60 percent. Much of this is due to the fact that children with Down syndrome often have predisposed physical characteristics such as narrow upper airways, larger tongues and tonsils, looser muscle tone and are commonly overweight. Due to the frequency of sleep apnea and the danger in children with Down syndrome it’s recommended that they undergo a sleep study by the age of four.
Routine is important to assist in your child’s social development. A regular wind-down routine helps to relax and prepare your child for bedtime while also relieving anxiety by providing a familiar process night after night. Your child’s bedtime routine may incorporate things like a warm bath, reading time, turning down the lights and various other calming activities.
Positive reinforcement such as stickers or stars for achieving sleep goals can help your child feel pride and reduce the anxiety they may face when going to bed. Positive reinforcement also provides your child with a sense of inclusion as they learn the importance of interaction and participation and are provided with a sense of belonging which helps to alleviate some of the anxiety they may feel at bedtime. However, it is just as important to remember that positive reinforcement does not mean using negative behavior when your child is not able to achieve the set goals.
First and foremost, it is very important your child’s bedroom is styled for safety. Make sure the room is clear of any obstructions that may pose a tripping threat, hallways are lit with nightlights, and the bed has safety rails. These precautions should be taken to ensure your child’s safety if they wake in the night and exit their room to find you.
Additionally, you’ll want their sleep environment to be conducive for sleep. While you may not have control over the severity of your child’s sleep challenges, you can create a space that helps them feel calm and promotes sleep. For example, black-out curtains, comfortable blankets, and calming hues on the walls can all contribute to a comfortable atmosphere for your child.
While children with Down syndrome have a higher likelihood of facing sleeping challenges, the good thing is that treatment is similar to the average child. After a doctor’s visit, you may be introduced to several products that can help address specific sleep challenges. For example, a common recommendation is to find an appropriate mattress and bedding that is made of durable, hypoallergenic, and easy-to-clean fabrics. From backaches and bedwetting to twisting and turning, a proper mattress is important to help manage the sleep-wake disruptions. Other products such as white noise machines, anti-snoring products, and various bed rails and pads can help with specific sleeping events and challenges.
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