Often times, children with disruptive behaviors are overmedicated in attempts to control their symptoms and relieve caregivers. While some of these medications may offer temporary relief, there may be long term implications on sleep while also impacting daytime symptoms.

Overmedicating Individuals with IDD and Corresponding Sleep Issues

Up to 80% of children with IDD experience sleep disturbances. These disturbances can aggravate their developmental delays, disruptive behaviors, and mental health problems. Some of these disorders are more easily detectable than others. 

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Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities often struggle with restlessness and lack of sleep in connection to their disabilities.

Sleep Disorders and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilties

Silvestri, R., & Ipsiroglu, O. S. (2022). Behavioral sleep medicine-The need for harmonization of clinical best practice outcome measures in children and adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities and restless sleep. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 1003019. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003019

Behavioral sleep medicine—The need for harmonization of clinical best practice outcome measures in children and adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities and restless sleep

Sleep Disturbances in Indivudals with IDD

The model shows the impact of sleep disturbances and their bidirectional influence with other diagnoses like neurodevelopmental conditions and internalizing/externalizing disorders. Root causes can include deficiencies in iron and various vitamins as well as sleep health. 
This model complements both medical and non-medical interventions for individuals with IDDs.

Mind the Gap Logic Model

- Treatment may be difficult due to interference with other drugs
  - Special drug refractories and sensitivities
- Early employment of these drugs possessing the capability to alter brain chemistry may underscore the need to address  the child's unmet needs
  - The use of adequate supplemental therapy is a good addition

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