Sleep problems are very common in Angelman Syndrome, but are usually worse between age 2- 6 years (Wagstaff, 2000). There is no single solution that will work for every child, so it can sometimes take a while to find the right combination of methods. This information sheet will discuss techniques that have been successful for some children.

Common sleep problems in children with Angelman Syndrome

• Short duration of sleep – many children with Angelman syndrome appear not to need much sleep
• Difficulty getting to sleep
• Night waking
• Behavioural problems, such as destroying bedroom furniture or refusing to stay in bed
• Problems associated with seizures

Why is it important to deal with the child’s sleep problem?

Although it is possible that the child may not need as much sleep, it is proven that the child will function much better and daytime behaviour may improve if the child can get a good night sleep.

Also, if the child is left to roam the house at night or if the bedroom is not safe, this can be extremely dangerous and might be considered as a form of child abuse.

If the child has epilepsy then lack of sleep can trigger seizures. In rare instances, sleep deprivation can cause seizures in children that do not normally have them.

Suggestions to help aid the child’s sleep

• Keep a consistent bedtime routine. Many children with Angelman Syndrome respond well to this, as it will help them recognise when it is time to sleep and stay in bed.
• Positive praise is very important as for some children it is very difficult to maintain desirable behaviour if they are not rewarded for it. Star charts or rewarding stickers can sometimes be effective.
• Some parents have reported that playing relaxing music, such as classical or meditation music all night long can help the child relax and sleep better.
• Use objects or themes that the child is interested in or likes playing with, to try and help the child stay in bed. Some children with Angelman Syndrome like playing with plastic objects, or things they can bite or chew. You could also try themed light shows that can be attached to the child’s bed/ cot.
• Some parents have reported that their child sleeps better after having a swim in the afternoon.
• If the child is prone to wandering out of the bedroom then you could consider installing alarms or fitting a lock on the door. This is not considered abuse if it means keeping the child safe. There are several choices of beds or enclosed areas on sale with specialist companies, which can help keep your child safe. If the child likes pressure applied, then weighted blankets or objects might be effective.
• Many children with Angelman Syndrome need a much cooler room to be comfortable. It might be worth considering fitting air conditioning to use in the warmer months.
• If the child has epilepsy, good control of seizures will help with sleep patterns.

Medication

It is important to note that medication in treating sleep disorders should be used only as a last resort. They can vary from one individual to another in effectiveness, and some only work in the short term. Melatonin (a sleep hormone usually released at night time which aids sleep) may be released at the wrong times or in wrong amounts in individuals with Angelman Syndrome, which may mean taking it as a supplement might help (Stores, 2001). This needs to be prescribed by a doctor in the UK. There are also several other sedatives available. They can sometimes help the child establish a sleep pattern if used in the short term.

References

Stores, G. (2001), A Clinical Guide to Sleep Disorders in Children and adolescents. Published by The Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, UK

Wagstaff, J., International Angelman Syndrome Organisation (2000) Sleep Problems in individuals with Angelman Syndrome, Retreived 30th August 2006, from http://ascleplius.com/iaso/wagstaffsleep.html