Neurocognitive dysfunction in children with sleep disorders.
It is well known that adults with sleep disturbances frequently exhibit a wide range of neurocognitive decrements, and that these deficits are potentially reversible with effective treatment. However, the consequences of respiratory sleep disturbances on neurocognitive function in children have only recently been evaluated, and suggest a strong causal association between the episodic hypoxia and sleep fragmentation that characterize the disease and the emergence of reduced memory, attention and intelligence as well as a link to problematic and hyperactive behaviours and mood disturbances. This article takes a critical look at the current literature on these issues, reviews the major findings and discusses such findings in conjunction with those derived from pertinent animal models.
Kheirandish
Leila
L
Child and Youth Project and Division of Paediatric Sleep Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Gozal
David
D
D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017286:Polysomnography; D012119:Respiration; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000150:complications; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D012913:Snoring