Potential Contributions of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms to Behavioral Difficulties in Children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome in Real Life: An Actigraphy-Based Study
Abstract
Highlights What are the main findings? In children with Smith–Magenis syndrome, subjective sleep disturbances were significantly associated with behavioral difficulties, particularly irritability, stereotypic behaviors, and inappropriate speech. Objective circadian rhythm measures, especially earlier L5 onset, were associated with hyperactivity and social withdrawal, whereas no associations were found with standard actigraphy sleep continuity parameters. What are the implications of the main findings? Exploratory analyses suggest that sleep quality and circadian rhythm characteristics are associated with different behavioral domains, which may reflect distinct underlying mechanisms. If confirmed in larger prospective studies, these findings may help identify sleep and circadian rhythm characteristics as potential targets for future interventions in children with Smith–Magenis syndrome (such as chronotherapy approaches). Abstract Background: Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm dysregulation, and prominent behavioral difficulties. Objective: To examine associations between subjective and objective sleep and circadian characteristics and behavioral difficulties in children with SMS in real life. Methods: Children aged 5–13 years with genetically confirmed SMS were included in a prospective single-center cohort study. Sleep and circadian rhythms were assessed using parent-reported…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 20 participants or records.
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