About this Research Topic

Background

The umbrella term neurodisability refers to behavioral and cognitive disorders that arise during the developmental period and involve significant difficulties in the acquisition and execution of specific intellectual, motor, language, or social functions (ICD-11 definition). Sleep disorders, both respiratory and non-respiratory, are highly prevalent in this group of children and can have a profound impact on both the child and the entire family. Diagnosis and management of sleep problems in children with neurodisability are hampered by a lack of evidence-based literature to guide health professionals. The impact on families is not well reported and resources to support the psychosocial aspects of care are lacking. This is an important area to address as sleep is a potentially modifiable factor, which if treated early, has the ability to improve functional outcomes and quality of life for the child and their families.

This collection aims to provide an overview of current research in the field of sleep in children with neurodisability, including, but not limited to, reviews of current literature, studies that assist in understanding the pathophysiology of sleep problems in children with neurodisability, original research relating to sleep in children with neurodisabilty and qualitative studies addressing the psychosocial impact of sleep problems in this population. The aim is to seek participation from experts working in this field who can both present original research and highlight areas for future study.

Common sleep problems in children with neurodisability include difficulty in settling at night, nocturnal awakenings, and a higher risk of sleep disordered breathing. Additional factors such as adverse effects of medications, psychosocial factors, and environmental factors also play a role in sleep disturbance in this population. Problems often emerge early in life and if unaddressed, persist throughout childhood, may exacerbate existing learning and behavioral difficulties, impacting day-to-day function and affecting the general health and well-being of the whole family. For children with neurodisability, sleep is, therefore, an important modifiable factor, and early intervention to improve it has the potential to improve functional outcomes and quality of life for them and their families. For this collection, we are seeking literature reviews, original research, including both quantitative and qualitative studies which focus on the important aspects of diagnosis, investigation, and management of sleep disorders in children with neurodisability. Articles that focus on improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of sleep disorders in this population will also be sought.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

1) Prevalence of sleep disorders (respiratory or non-respiratory) in specific populations of children with neurodisability, including cross-syndrome comparative studies;
2) Circadian rhythm disorders in children with neurodisability;
3) Environmental factors that influence sleep in children with neurodisability;
4) Perception of and/or approach to sleep problems in health professionals involved in caring for children with neurodisability;
5) Novel diagnostic and management approaches to sleep problems in children with neurodisability e.g. for sleep disordered breathing;
6) Pharmacological treatments for sleep problems in children with neurodisability;
7) Impact of sleep problems in children with neurodisability including outcomes for the child and psychosocial impact on the family.

Keywords: Pediatrics, Children, Sleep, Neurodisability, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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