Adequate amounts of good-quality sleep are vital for optimal functioning. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) appear to have increased risk for various forms of sleep disturbance, with implications for their daytime functioning, caregivers’ stress, and the professionals involved in their care. Multiple biological and psychosocial factors likely interact to increase the risk for sleep disturbances and should be considered as part of assessment. Various forms of treatment for sleep difficulties have been used in people with ID (including sleep hygiene, behavioral therapy, chronotherapy, light therapy, and melatonin), but the evidence base is limited in quantity and quality, particularly for adults with ID. Given the scale of the problem in this population there is an urgent need for studies which attempt to understand the mechanisms underlying different forms of sleep disturbance (including in association with discrete genetic disorders or syndromes) and also permit the development of clear management guidelines.
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Wiggs, Luci
Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development
Year of publication: [in press]Date of RADAR deposit: 2023-06-19