Additional Information: Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Patients with Down syndrome are among the groups at increased risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) due to their characteristic upper airway anatomy and other anatomical features. These include midface hypoplasia, macroglossia, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, generalised hypotonia, obesity, and upper airway narrowing, all of which contribute to upper airway collapse during sleep.

OSA is common in both children and adults with Down syndrome and is frequently under-recognised because symptoms may be atypical or attributed to the underlying condition. Untreated OSA can adversely affect cognition, behaviour, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life.

Given the high prevalence of OSA in this population, it is important that individuals with Down syndrome are appropriately represented in discussions regarding sleep-disordered breathing. Early screening, timely diagnosis, and access to appropriate treatment are essential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for this patient group.

Dr Eve Hirst has been developing a suite of tools for the Down Syndrome and Sleep Research Network (DSSRN) to help sleep researchers involve and communicate more effectively with people who have Down syndrome. The idea is that when people with Down syndrome need to have a sleep study, they can read, watch or listen to these custom-made materials (including in Makaton) that explain what to expect, and what the sleep study will look like. These communication materials are available on request.