New study links iron deficiency to sleep disorders in children with ADHD and autism: exploring the critical role of iron in sleep regulation. Study: Iron Deficiency and Restless Sleep/Wake Behaviors in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Mental Health Conditions. Image Credit: Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.
com A recent Nutrients study examines the relationship iron deficiency (ID) and sleep-related disorders. Iron and sleep/wake disorders Iron is a trace element present in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Iron is also an essential component for both the synthesis of neurotransmitters that regulate the sleep/wake cycle, as well as the dopamine synthesis pathway.
These observations indicate that ID could significantly influence sleep and wake patterns; however, iron levels are rarely considered in the clinical management of sleep/wake disorders. The most frequent causes of sleep/wake disorders are hyper-arousability, restless leg syndrome (RLS), hyper-motor restlessness, restless sleep disorder (RSD), and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). About the study Prospective data were obtained between 2021 and 2023 through clinical assessments and structured intake forms.
Subsequently, a retrospective analysis was conducted. Data on the most recent iron status and parental ID history, as well as covariate factors, including comorbidities, demographics, and medications, were recorded. Patients with hematologic comorbidities were excluded.
The mean patient age was.