Does Down syndrome affect sleep?

Does Down syndrome affect sleep?

According to the National Institute of Health, 76\% of children with Down syndrome experience difficulty with the onset of sleep, their quality of REM sleep, and their ability to stay asleep. The sleep troubles children with Down syndrome face often affect other aspects of their development down the road.

What problems do Down syndrome babies have?

Having Down syndrome also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Other problems. Down syndrome may also be associated with other health conditions, including endocrine problems, dental problems, seizures, ear infections, and hearing and vision problems.

Do babies with Down syndrome cry?

Children with Down syndrome are children, above all else. As babies they cry and sleep, and as they grow they walk and talk. If you’re caring for a child with Down syndrome, you might face some challenges different to other parents.

Do Down syndrome babies make eye contact?

In populations with developmental disorders, infants with Down’s syndrome begin making eye-contact later than normal infant, but then sustain it for longer periods of time, while infants with ASD tend to avoid eye-contact altogether.

Do Down syndrome babies have big eyes?

Unusually Shaped Eyes Many infants with down syndrome also have oddly shaped eyes in addition to discoloration in the eyes. An infant with down syndrome will commonly have eyes that slant upward, oftentimes with a fold of skin from the upper eyelid that covers one of the inner corners of the eye.

When do babies with Down syndrome start smiling?

Babies with Down syndrome are normally engaging and affectionate, and their first smile usually occurs only a week or two later than other children.

Do Down syndrome babies cry alot?

Do Down syndrome babies have big heads?

Height and weight — Babies with Down syndrome are usually smaller than other babies, and they have smaller heads. They may also grow more slowly and may never reach the same heights that typical children do.

What color eyes do Down syndrome babies have?

Brushfield Spots in Down Syndrome A notable sign of down syndrome is the presence of discolorations of the colored part of the eye known as Brushfield spots. These are pale, milky white spots dotting the colored part of an infant’s eye.

Can we predict sleep problems in children with Down syndrome?

Unfortunately, the ability of parents to predict sleep abnormalities in their children with Down syndrome has been shown to be poor. A sleep study or polysomnogram continues to be the gold standard test from which to evaluate sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea.

Can Down syndrome cause sleep apnea?

The most common physical, breathing-related sleep problem is obstructive sleep apnea, where according to a study by NIH, 31\% of infants with Down syndrome have obstructive sleep apnea. A first step is to rule out sleep apnea, since it happens so frequently.

What are the treatment options for sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome?

Surgical options for persistent obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome need to be tailored to each child’s individual pattern of obstruction.

What is the relationship between pulmonary hypertension and Down syndrome?

Abnormalities in pulmonary vasculature (the circulatory system in the lungs) also increases risk of development of pulmonary hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs). Unfortunately, the ability of parents to predict sleep abnormalities in their children with Down syndrome has been shown to be poor.