Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Symptoms at presentation in children with sleep-related disorders

Katja Liukkonen1, Paula Virkkula, Anu Haavisto

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland. katja.liukkonen@hus.fi

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Snoring children, even without major sleep-disordered breathing, show impaired cognitive and behavioral functions. These findings highlight the impact of snoring on child development and well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly linked to cognitive and behavioral issues in children.
  • Snoring is a common symptom that may indicate underlying airway obstruction or SDB.
  • The relationship between snoring, mild SDB, and neurocognitive function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between snoring and cognitive function in children.
  • To explore correlations between polysomnography (PSG) findings, upper respiratory infections (URIs), and cephalometric/rhinometric measures in snorers.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study involving 2100 children, with 44 snorers and 51 non-snorers undergoing PSG, cephalometry, and rhinometry.
  • Neurocognitive assessment included intelligence testing (WPPSI-R), a neuropsychological battery (NEPSY), and behavioral symptom questionnaires (CBCL).

Main Results:

  • Snorers exhibited lower language function scores and more internalizing behavioral problems compared to non-snorers (P<0.05).
  • PSG parameters showed poor correlation with neurocognitive test results in this cohort.
  • Recurrent URIs were more prevalent in snorers (P=0.01) and associated with more somatic complaints.

Conclusions:

  • Children who snore, even without significant SDB indicators on PSG, demonstrate neurocognitive and behavioral impairments.
  • Mild airway narrowing, as indicated by cephalometry, was observed in snorers.
  • The study suggests that snoring itself, independent of severe SDB, may negatively impact children's development.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder04:33

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Published on: April 26, 2024

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...