Sleep Disorders
Parent reports and recent studies indicate that decreased need for sleep and abnormal sleep/wake cycles are common in AS [1-3]. An AS child, with abnormal sleep/wake cycles, has been reported to benefit from a behavioral treatment program [4]. Administration of a low dose of melatonin one hour before bedtime has also been shown to be of help in some children but this should not be given in the middle of the night if the child awakens [5]. Use of sedatives such a chloral hydrate or diphenylhydramine (Benadryl) may be helpful if wakefulness excessively disrupts home life. Some families construct safe but confining bedrooms to accommodate disruptive nighttime wakefulness. There are also many AS infants and children who apparently sleep fairly well and do not receive any sleep-related medications.
1. Miano S, Bruni O, Leuzzi V, et al. Sleep polygraphy in Angelman syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol, 2004. 115(4): p. 938-45.
2. Bruni O, Ferri R, D'Agostino G, et al. Sleep disturbances in Angelman syndrome: a questionnaire study. Brain Dev, 2004. 26(4): p. 233-40.
3. Walz NC, Beebe D and Byars K. Sleep in individuals with Angelman syndrome: parent perceptions of patterns and problems. Am J Ment Retard, 2005. 110(4): p. 243-52.
4. Summers JA, Lynch PS, Harris JC, et al. A combined behavioral/pharmacological treatment of sleep-wake schedule disorder in Angelman syndrome. J Dev Behav Pediatr, 1992. 13(4): p. 284-7.
5. Zhdanova IV, Wurtman RJ and Wagstaff J. Effects of a low dose of melatonin on sleep in children with Angelman syndrome. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab, 1999. 12(1): p. 57-67.