04/30/2025
🧸💤 Down Syndrome & Sleep Disorders: What Every Family Should Know 🌙❤️
Sleep disorders are very common in children and adults with Down syndrome, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These sleep issues can lead to challenges with learning, focus, mood, and even heart health — but they are treatable.
👀 Watch for signs like:
🔹 Loud snoring or gasping for air
🔹 Restless sleep or strange sleep positions
🔹 Frequent night wakings
🔹 Daytime fatigue or behavior changes
🛏️ What is a Sleep Study and Why Is It Important?
A sleep study (polysomnography) is the most accurate way to diagnose sleep disorders such as OSA, insomnia, parasomnias, or movement-related sleep issues. At Teddy Bear Pediatrics and Sleep Medicine Clinic, we offer in-house sleep studies in a child-centered, soothing environment:
✔️ Comfortable, home-like rooms with soft lighting
✔️ Parents can stay overnight with their child
✔️ Beautifully maintained, modern facility with updated restrooms
✔️ Caring pediatric sleep specialists trained to work with children with special needs
✔️ Non-invasive monitoring for a stress-free experience
Getting an accurate diagnosis through a sleep study can open the door to truly life-changing treatments.
💊 Treatment options include behavioral support, therapy, and medications such as:
Melatonin – helps regulate sleep-wake cycles naturally
Clonidine – supports sleep initiation, often used in children with ADHD or anxiety
Hydroxyzine – helps ease anxiety and promote sleep
Trazodone – useful for sleep maintenance and treating insomnia
Gabapentin – reduces restlessness and nighttime awakenings
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) – reserved for severe anxiety or parasomnias
CPAP/BiPAP therapy – critical for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
Iron supplements – if ferritin levels are low, especially for restless sleep
Behavioral therapy – often combined with medications for long-term success
🏥 At Teddy Bear Pediatrics and Sleep Medicine Clinic, we specialize in sleep care for children with complex medical and developmental needs, including those with Down syndrome.
✨ Every child deserves a peaceful, healthy night’s sleep. With the right diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible.
📞 Call us: (512) 931-1575
🌐 Visit: https://teddybearpediatrics.com/
Teddy Bear Pediatrics & Sleep Medicine - Expert care for children's health and sleep disorders in Leander, TX.
