Sleep health of adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review.
Deepika Nagabhushan, Caleb Kim, Daniel G Whitney et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review assessed sleep health in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), including studies reporting sleep measures, disorders, or disturbances. The search identified 13 studies from 2778 records, published between 2015 and 2025 and conducted across four regions. Studies used clinical diagnoses, polysomnography, and self-report questionnaires. Findings suggest sleep-related problems may be common and may occur more often than in adults without CP, but most results were inconclusive because of small samples and methodological variability. The review identifies a substantial evidence gap in this population.
Key findings
- Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria from 2778 records identified by the search.
- Sleep was assessed using clinical diagnoses, polysomnographic readings, and self-reported questionnaires.
- Sleep-related problems may be common in adults with CP, with some evidence of higher rates than in adults without CP.
- Most findings were inconclusive because studies had small samples and varied methodologically.
Why it matters
Sleep problems may affect the health and quality of life of adults with CP, yet the available evidence is too limited and inconsistent to characterize their frequency reliably. Better-quality, generalizable research could clarify the burden and support development of appropriate clinical and policy responses.
What to keep in mind
The review’s conclusions are constrained by small samples and methodological variability in the included studies.