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Sleep physiology and sleep disorders in childhood

Hanan M El Shakankiry1

  • 1King Fahd University Hospital, Al Dammam University, Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Nature and Science of Sleep
|April 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric sleep is crucial for child development, not passive. This review covers sleep disorders in children, affecting one-third and impacting cognitive functions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric sleep science
  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Child psychology

Background:

  • Sleep was historically viewed as passive, but is now recognized as vital for brain activity and higher cortical functions.
  • Sleep significantly impacts all facets of child development, especially cognitive abilities.
  • Sleep concerns are a major parental worry, ranking fifth among concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental physiology of sleep in children.
  • To detail the impact and classification of pediatric sleep disorders.
  • To outline current management strategies for sleep disorders in the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of sleep physiology.
  • Analysis of sleep disorder prevalence in children.
  • Examination of sleep disorder impact on pediatric populations.
  • Review of management approaches for pediatric sleep disorders.

Main Results:

  • Approximately one-third of all children experience sleep disorders.
  • Prevalence of sleep disorders is higher in specific pediatric groups, including those with special needs, medical/psychiatric diagnoses, and autism spectrum disorders.
  • Sleep disorders negatively affect higher cognitive functions in children.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric sleep is an active, critical process for development.
  • Sleep disorders are common in children and require targeted management.
  • Understanding sleep physiology and disorders is essential for pediatric care.

Keywords:
childhoodepilepsysleep disorderssleep physiology

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