Sleep in Tourette Syndrome

Abstract

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a heritable developmental neuropsychiatric disorder and is defined as part of a spectrum of motor and vocal tic disorders (TD). Sleep problems are a common feature associated with TS/TD. They may affect daytime tic expression and neurobehavioral functioning. However, sleep studies on TS/TD are still scarce, and firm conclusions about the relationship of tics and sleep are difficult to draw. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge about sleep problems in TS/TD and advocate for better understanding of their nature. Neglected links between the neurobiology of sleep and the psychophysiology of TS/TD and their psychiatric comorbidity, as well as medication for TS/TD, are highlighted, and future trends in sleep research on TS/TD are proposed.