Other names: SMS Sleep Disturbance

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a rare, developmental disorder characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability, delayed speech and language skills, distinctive facial features, severe behavioral problems, and sleep disturbances. It is caused by deletions and mutations of the RAI1 gene on chromosome 17p11.2.

The sleep disturbances associated with Smith-Magenis syndrome are thought to be due to abnormal melatonin secretion and a dysregulation of molecular circadian rhythms, resulting in frequent nighttime waking, early sleep onset, early waking, frequent daytime napping, and daytime sleepiness.

Tasimelteon (Hetlioz, Hetlioz LQ) is the first FDA-approved treatment for patients with SMS.

Drugs used to treat Smith-Magenis Syndrome Sleep Disturbance