To review the associations between various neurodevelopmental disorders and the most prevalent sleep disorders in children and adolescents, focusing on clinical characteristics and diagnostic approaches. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, employing the search terms "neurodevelopmental disorders" and "sleep disorders," including "insomnia," "sleep-related breathing disorders," "circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders," "sleep-related movement disorders," "parasomnias," and "central disorders of hypersomnolence." Specific diagnostic terms related to neurodevelopmental and sleep disorders were also utilized. Additionally, the reference lists of selected manuscripts were manually reviewed to identify further relevant publications. Sleep disorders are frequently associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability, as well as genetic syndromes known to predispose individuals to sleep disturbances, including Down syndrome, Smith-Magenis syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and mucopolysaccharidosis type II. These associations are mediated by anatomical, biological, and behavioral mechanisms. Diagnostic evaluation should be guided by clinical suspicion and typically involves a comprehensive clinical history, sleep diaries, standardized questionnaires, and, when indicated, additional diagnostic procedures. Sleep disorders are more prevalent in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. A thorough understanding of the most commonly associated sleep disturbances and the implementation of targeted diagnostic strategies are essential for appropriate clinical management and for improving long-term outcomes in this population.
Halal et al. (Mon,) studied this question.