Sleep disorders in rare genetic syndromes: a meta-analysis of prevalence and profile

Abstract Background Sleep disorders are common in people with intellectual disability (ID) and autism, growing evidence of diverse sleep profiles across ID associated genetic syndromes. Documenting the prevalence profile specific syndromes will quantify syndrome-driven ‘risk’, inform prognosis enhance understanding aetiology disorders. Method Following PRISMA guidelines for meta-analysis, we searched Ovid PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, Web Science PubMed Central use syndrome-specific keywords 60 sleep-related search terms. We screened extracted papers that reported disorder data five or more individuals within a syndrome, applied quality criteria to produce quality-effects model six types nineteen Relative risk estimates were calculated each syndrome. Results Two hundred seventy three identified, generating 463 Angelman, CHARGE, Cornelia de Lange, Down, fragile X, Prader–Willi, Rett, Smith–Magenis Williams syndromes, mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS disorders), neurofibromatosis tuberous sclerosis complex. Prevalence higher than published equivalents typically developing individuals, few exceptions. Between-syndrome differences some evident; sleep-disordered breathing was most prevalent MPS (72–77%), while excessive daytime sleepiness highest syndrome (60%). Conversely, insomnia, which at rate TD all except not risk. This suggests insomnia could emerge because individual’s environment developmental delay, rather any Limitations Due broad scope only previously identified as reporting preliminary research included. Other may also experience elevated rates disorder. Only English language Conclusions Differing between suggest differing causal mechanisms, such cranio-facial morphology Down Prader–Willi build-up mucopolysaccharides Priorities clinical assessment intervention discussed.