Composite Sleep Problems Observed Across Smith–Magenis Syndrome, MBD5-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Pitt–Hopkins Syndrome, and ASD

Caregivers of preschool and elementary school age children with Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS), MBD5-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (MAND), and Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) were surveyed to assess sleep disturbance and to identify disorder-specific sleep problems. Because of overlapping features of these rare genetic neurodevelopmental syndromes, data were compared to reports of sleep disturbance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While similarities were observed with ASD, specific concerns between disorders differed, including mean nighttime sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, night wakings, parasomnias, restless sleep, and bedwetting. Overall, sleep disturbance in PTHS is significant but less severe than in SMS and MAND. The complexity of these conditions and the challenges of underlying sleep disturbance indicate the need for more support, education, and ongoing management of sleep for these individuals.