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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

[The relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep-alertness problems]

Natali Golan1, Giora Pillar

  • 1Sleep Laboratory, Rambam Medical Center (Meyer Children's Hospital) and Technion--Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.

Harefuah
|November 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often experience primary sleep disorders and daytime sleepiness. Addressing these treatable sleep issues, like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is frequently associated with sleep disturbances.
  • Parental reports indicate reduced sleep efficiency and increased fragmentation in children with ADHD.
  • Objective sleep studies sometimes reveal longer sleep durations, with a hypothesis linking daytime somnolence to ADHD's inattentive symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of primary sleep disorders and objective daytime somnolence in children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • To explore the potential impact of treatable sleep disorders on ADHD symptomatology and treatment response.

Main Methods:

  • The study involved objective measurements of sleep patterns and daytime somnolence in a cohort of children with ADHD.
  • Assessment included screening for primary sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Periodic Limb Movements Disorder in Sleep (PLMD).

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of primary sleep disorders and objective daytime somnolence was identified in children with ADHD.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between these sleep issues and the effectiveness of stimulant medications like Ritalin.

Conclusions:

  • Primary sleep disorders and daytime somnolence are common in children with ADHD.
  • Investigating and treating conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Periodic Limb Movements Disorder in Sleep (PLMD) should be an integral part of ADHD assessment and management.

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