A Brief Report on the Prevalence of Sleep Problems in Individuals with Mental Retardation Living in the Community

This study examined the sleep patterns and prevalence of sleep problems in adults with mental retardation living in community settings. Information was gathered from 67 staff members regarding 237 individuals with mental retardation (focus persons). Staff members provided information about each focus person's (a) demographics, (b) sleep patterns, and (c) sleep problems encountered in the last month. Persons with severe or profound mental retardation and persons taking medications were more likely to experience sleep problems. These findings clearly identify sleep as a critical area of health support for persons with mental retardation, and suggest areas for future analysis.