DYNAMICS OF SLEEP SPINDLES IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME: A PILOT STUDY OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC MICROARCHITECTURE

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Abstract

Objective: To characterize the topographic distribution, density, and interhemispheric synchrony of sleep spindles in children with Down syndrome using retrospective analysis of polysomnographic data. Methods: Polysomnographic recordings from 13 children with Down syndrome were analyzed. Spindle detection was performed using bandpass filtering, Hilbert transform, and amplitude thresholding during N2 sleep. Spindle density, symmetry between hemispheres, and topographic patterns were assessed. Results: Children with Down syndrome exhibited increased slow-wave sleep (N3) and reduced REM sleep compared to normative values. Sleep spindles showed a predominance in posterior and left-hemisphere regions. Fast spindles (14–16 Hz) were more densely distributed than slow spindles (10–13 Hz), and statistical differences in spindle density were found across channels. Interhemispheric synchrony was moderate but not statistically significant. Conclusions: Alterations in sleep spindle architecture and distribution were observed in children with Down syndrome. These findings suggest a potential link between spindle patterns and neurodevelopmental processes in this population, warranting further investigation.


Keywords: Down syndrome; Sleep spindles; EEG; neurodevelopment; Polysomnography.

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Published

16.05.2026

How to Cite

Olga Retamal, M., Amaro-Fuenzalida, J., Mesa Latorre, T., Corzo Lameiro, J., Ossandón Valdés, T., Retamal Rosales, J. P., & Sierra Del Villar, G. (2026). DYNAMICS OF SLEEP SPINDLES IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME: A PILOT STUDY OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC MICROARCHITECTURE. Panamerican Journal of Neuropsychology, 20(2), 154–170. Retrieved from https://www.cnps.cl/index.php/cnps/article/view/632

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026): CNPs

Section

Theoretical Perspectives and Frontiers of Science

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Copyright (c) 2026 María Olga Retamal, J. Amaro-Fuenzalida, Tomás Mesa Latorre, Jovita Corzo Lameiro, Tomás Ossandón Valdés, Juan Pablo Retamal Rosales, Gregorio Sierra Del Villar

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