Date Presented 03/22/24
We observed sensory processing differences and sleep problems in a sample of young children with Down syndrome. Sensory sensitivity was positively associated with sleep onset and the frequency and duration of night waking.
Primary Author and Speaker: Waad E. Eid
Additional Authors and Speakers: Angela Caldwell
PURPOSE: Little is known about the relationships between sensory processing and sleep in young children with Down Syndrome (DS). Because sleep problems are prevalent in children with DS, elucidating associations with sensory processing may inform clinical assessment and treatment (Appleyard et al., 2020). The purpose of this study was to describe sensory processing and sleep behaviors and identify significant associations between these factors in children with DS.
DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of data collected as part of an observational study (Caldwell, 2022). This study included children (12-36 months old) with DS and their parents (>18 years old).
METHOD: Data were collected from parent-reported questionnaires (Infant and Toddler Sensory Profile 2, Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire) and an actigraphy device (Actiwatch 2) worn on the wrist x 14 days. Data analyses were conducted in SPSS and included descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations.
RESULTS: Eleven of 24 children (46%) were observed with sensory processing ‘different than others’ in at least one category. Actigraphy data revealed that, on average, children in this sample demonstrated inadequate sleep duration (M= 7.5 hrs) and were awake for approximately 2 hours during the night (M= 120 mins). Settling time, duration of wake time at night, and frequency of night-waking were positively correlated with sensory sensitivity (r= .52, p= .02; r= .56, p= .007; r= .56, p= .004 respectively).
CONCLUSION: Both sensory processing differences and sleep problems were observed in a sample of young children with DS. Based on significant associations between these factors, we predict sensory processing differences may influence sleep quality in children with DS.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Occupational therapists may be able to enhance sleep health in young children with DS by assessing for sensory processing differences and recommending strategies to promote sensory regulation as part of a bedtime routine.
References
Appleyard, K., Schaughency, E., Taylor, B., Sayers, R., Haszard, J., Lawrence, J., Taylor, R., & Galland, B. (2020). Sleep and Sensory Processing in Infants and Toddlers: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(6), 7406205010p7406205011-7406205010p7406205012. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.038182
Caldwell, A. K., Y. (2022). Parental perception of facilitators and barriers to health for young children with Down syndrome. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 43(2), E127. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000001053
Dunn, W. (1997) The Impact of Sensory Processing Abilities on the Daily Lives of Young Children and Their Families: A Conceptual Model. Infants & Young Children, 9, 23-35. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001163-199704000-00005
Will, E. A., Daunhauer, L. A., Fidler, D. J., Raitano Lee, N., Rosenberg, C. R., & Hepburn, S. L. (2019). Sensory Processing and Maladaptive Behavior: Profiles Within the Down Syndrome Phenotype. Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics, 39(5), 461-476. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2019.1575320
