Prevalence and influencing factors of sleep problems in tic disorders: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Sleep problems are commonly observed in patients with tic disorders. Nevertheless, studies have demonstrated a wide variation in the prevalence of sleep disturbances among this population. Consequently, it remains ambiguous whether sleep issues are inherently characteristic of tic disorders or are influenced by external factors.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search across various databases and performed a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of sleep problems in tic disorders. Additionally, we assessed pre-existing comorbidities and associated characteristics using meta-regression analysis.

Results

After including 33 studies in the final meta-analysis, we found that the pooled prevalence of sleep problems in tic disorders was 34% (95%CI: 26% to 43%). Meta-regression analysis revealed that the presence of co-occurring symptoms of ADHD (p < 0.05), obsession compulsive disorder/behaviours (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.001), and mood disorders (p < 0.001) was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing sleep problems.

Conclusions

Our findings consistently indicate that individuals with tic disorders frequently encounter significant sleep problems. This underscores the importance of routinely screening for sleep problems during clinical assessments. Effectively managing sleep problems in patients with tic disorders is crucial not only for the well-being of the patients themselves but also for their families.

Keywords:

• Tic disorders
• sleep
• prevalence
• meta-analysis
• ADHD

Acknowledgements

None.

Contributors

Yonghua Cui, Ying Li and Na Li developed the review question and meta-analysis study design. Na Li conducted the literature search and data extraction under the supervision of Ying Li and Yonghua Cui. Na Li and Chang Xu assessed articles’ quality. Na Li conducted the data analysis. Ying Li and Yonghua Cui oversaw the data analysis. Na Li contributed to data interpretation and writing of the report. Ying Li, Yonghua Cui and Junjuan Yan revised the report. All authors revised and approved the final report.

Statement of interest

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) under Grant No. 82171538, 82001445, the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality under Grant No.7212035, 7232057 and Beijing Hospitals Authority Youth Programme Grant No. QML20211203.