REM-sleep alterations in children with co-existence of tic disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: impact of hypermotor symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize precisely the sleep pattern in children with co-existence of TD + ADHD.


METHODS
By means of polysomnography, sleep pattern was investigated in 19 children with TD + ADHD unmedicated before and during study and 19 healthy controls, matched for age, gender, and intelligence.


RESULTS
Compared with healthy controls, children with TD + ADHD displayed shorter REM sleep latency and increased REM sleep duration. There was a negative correlational relationship between these REM-sleep alterations and they were determined by hyperactivity symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Sleep in children with coexistence of TD + ADHD may be characterized by an elevated REM sleep drive. Common mechanisms are suggested to underpin hypermotor symptoms and REM sleep regulation.
Kirov
Roumen
R
Institute of Physiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Banaschewski
Tobias
T
Uebel
Henrik
H
Kinkelbur
Jörg
J
Rothenberger
Aribert
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D017286:Polysomnography; D012895:Sleep, REM; D013981:Tic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*