We observed a strong connection between iron deficiency (ID) and restlessness impacting sleep in children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In a clinic focused on sleep/wake behaviors, we found that a staggering 94% of the 199 patients evaluated had ID, and many struggled with insomnia and sleep disorders.
Notably, patients with a family history of ID faced heightened risks of experiencing sleep disturbances, including restless legs syndrome (RLS) and chronic insomnia. For instance, in children with ADHD, the odds of insomnia increased significantly with a family background of ID. Similarly, those with ASD also showed increased odds for various sleep issues tied to a familial history of ID.
These insights highlight an urgent need for integrating comprehensive evaluations that address both iron levels and family sleep history. By doing so, we can better understand and address the sleep challenges faced by these children and adolescents, and potentially improve their quality of life.
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