Sleep Disorders in Children with Rett Syndrome

TL;DR

This paper reviews sleep disorders in children with Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition, and discusses current management strategies.

Contribution

The paper provides a focused review of sleep disorders in Rett syndrome and summarizes current clinical recommendations.

Findings

About 80% of children with Rett syndrome experience sleep disturbances like insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing.

Breathing irregularities during sleep, including apnea and hyperventilation, are common in Rett syndrome.

Polysomnography reveals both obstructive and central sleep apnea in affected children.

Abstract

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder marked by neurological regression, autonomic dysfunction, seizures, and significant sleep and breathing abnormalities. About 80% of affected individuals, especially young children, experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, nocturnal vocalizations, bruxism, and seizures. Breathing irregularities during sleep—like apnea, alternating hyperventilation, and hypoventilation—are common, with both obstructive and central sleep apnea identified through polysomnography. This review focuses on the prevalent sleep disorders in children with Rett syndrome and highlights current recommendations for the management of sleep disorders.

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