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Sleep deprivation and neurobehavioral functioning in children

Kiran P Maski1, Sanjeev V Kothare

  • 1Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

International Journal of Psychophysiology : Official Journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology
|June 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Sleep deprivation impairs children's neurobehavioral functioning by affecting key brain areas. This review examines neural impacts, behavioral issues, and links to neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and ASDs.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep deprivation significantly impairs children's daytime neurobehavioral functioning.
  • Key brain regions affected include the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and amygdala.
  • Consequences manifest as academic struggles, behavioral challenges, and public health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review neural structures impacted by sleep deprivation in children.
  • To outline the neurobehavioral problems associated with sleep deprivation.
  • To explore mechanisms linking sleep disturbances to neurobehavioral dysfunction and common neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on sleep deprivation and neurobehavioral outcomes in children.
  • Analysis of research on neural substrates affected by sleep loss.
  • Examination of data on neurodevelopmental disorders and associated sleep problems.

Main Results:

  • Sleep deprivation impacts executive functioning, reward anticipation, and emotional reactivity.
  • Difficulties contribute to academic and behavioral problems.
  • Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Conclusions:

  • Sleep deprivation has profound neurobehavioral consequences for children.
  • Understanding these impacts is crucial for addressing academic, behavioral, and public health issues.
  • Further research into sleep disturbances in neurodevelopmental disorders is warranted.

Keywords:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderAutistic spectrum disorderBehaviorChildrenExecutive functioningSleep deprivation

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