Work

Risk of Sleep Disorders among Patients with Tourette Syndrome: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder often linked with various neuropsychiatric comorbidities.This population-based cohort study examined the association between TS and sleep disorders.Materials and methods: Utilizing data from a nationwide database, this retrospective cohort study assessed the risk of sleep disorders in patients with TS.We enrolled 13,646 patients with new-onset TS from 2002 to 2015, each matched with four controls by age, sex, insured salary, urbanization level, Charlson comorbidity index, and year of inclusion.Follow-up continued until the development of sleep disorders, death, or the end of 2018.The risk was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model, with sensitivity analyses at ≤1, 1-5, and >5 years.Results: After adjusting for several variables, patients with TS had a higher risk of sleep disorders (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58-1.96).Those aged over 18 years had a higher risk than those under 7 years (aHR = 7.76, 95% CI = 6.32-9.53).Patients with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety also showed increased risks (aHR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.09-1.67 and aHR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.88-2.88,respectively).Sensitivity analyses confirmed a higher risk of sleep disorders in TS patients at <1-, 1-5-, and >5-year follow-up periods.Conclusion: TS is a significant risk factor for sleep disorders.Patients with comorbid ADHD and anxiety are particularly at higher risk for sleep disturbances.

Source: International Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.7150/ijms.107983