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Sleep

Like all of us, people who have Down’s syndrome need a good night’s sleep to be able to function properly. A person who has Down’s syndrome may not realise, or be able to tell you, they are suffering from poor or disturbed sleep. As a parent or supporter, it is good to be aware of some of the signs that may indicate a person has sleep problems. These can include irritability, anxiety, over activity, aggression, impaired attention and daytime sleepiness.

Some sleep issues may be more complex in nature and will require investigation and intervention. It is important that you seek help if you think that a person who has Down’s syndrome is experiencing sleep difficulties. Your first port of call should be your child’s Health Visitor or your GP. If appropriate, they will refer you on to other professionals with
experience of sleep issues. You should expect professionals to take your concerns seriously; the signs that you have noticed should not just be put down to the fact that the person has Down’s syndrome.

For Children

We know that around 50% of children who have Down’s syndrome experience sleep issues. These may be behavioural in nature or have a physical cause such as obstructive sleep apnoea. This is where a person’s normal breath ing is disrupted during sleep because the walls of the throat relax and narrow or block the airway. Some children may have a complex mixture of behavioural and physical sleep problems. Bed time routines, consistent bedtime and waking times, going to bed when tired, falling asleep without parents and avoiding excitement near bedtime are some of the things that help to lessen the likelihood of behavioural sleep problems.

Find out more in our booklet:

For Adults

 A 2017/18 study, supported by the DSA, found that sleep issues in adults who have Down’s syndrome are common and varied in nature. Adults and their supporters reported difficulties getting to sleep, night waking, difficulty getting back to sleep, early waking, problems with breathing and being sleepy during the day.

It is reasonable to assume that sleep problems are more common in adults who have Down’s syndrome and that they are widely undiagnosed. As with children, the causes for sleep problems may be behavioural, physical or a mixture of both.

Find out more in our booklet:

Some sleep issues can be improved with good sleep habits (sometimes called sleep hygiene). These are some examples of actions that may improve the person’s chances of a good night’s sleep:

  • A nightly routine at bedtime
  • A bedroom that is free of distractions (e.g. cut out any unwanted light or noise)
  • Regular sleeping hours
  • Regular exercise and activities
  • Avoidance of caffeine and other stimulants in the evening
  • Avoidance of exercise in the evening
  • Not using a phone or iPad late at night

Some people have been helped to sleep by videos with a soundtrack of calming sounds and some people find relaxation exercises helpful.

Resources and useful organisations

Down’s Syndrome Association

Other

Sleep Solutions (Scope)

A free online, and telephone support service that helps parents and carers of disabled children to improve their child’s sleep

British Sleep Society

A professional organisation for medical, scientific and healthcare workers dealing with sleeping disorders.

The Sleep Apnoea Trust

An association working to improve the lives of sleep apnoea patients,their partners and their families.

Cerebra

An organisation offering a wide range of services and support helping the families of children with brain conditions.