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.
Institute of Physiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Roumen
R
Kirov
Tobias
T
Banaschewski
Henrik
H
Uebel
Jörg
J
Kinkelbur
Aribert
A
Rothenberger
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*