Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 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

10.8K

Sleep in childhood and adolescence: age-specific sleep characteristics, common sleep disturbances and associated

Nicola L Barclay1, Alice M Gregory

  • 1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, London, NE1 8ST, UK, nicola.barclay@northumbria.ac.uk.

Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
|October 31, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Childhood sleep patterns evolve due to brain development and circadian system changes. Sleep disturbances are common in children and can be linked to behavioral issues or other developmental disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep undergoes significant transformations across the lifespan, particularly in early childhood and adolescence.
  • These changes are influenced by brain maturation, circadian system organization, and environmental factors.
  • Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children, often linked to behavioral or physiological issues, and can develop into diagnosable disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the neurobiology of typical sleep-wake cycles from birth to adulthood.
  • To describe developmental changes in sleep physiology and architecture.
  • To explore common childhood sleep disorders and their associations with conditions like ASDs, ADHD, schizophrenia, and emotional/behavioral difficulties.

Main Methods:

  • Review of neurobiological mechanisms governing sleep-wake processes.
  • Analysis of age-related changes in sleep physiology and architecture.
  • Examination of associations between childhood sleep disorders and other neurodevelopmental/behavioral conditions.

Main Results:

  • Typical sleep-wake processes are governed by complex neurobiological mechanisms.
  • Sleep architecture and physiology exhibit distinct developmental trajectories.
  • Childhood sleep disturbances frequently co-occur with other developmental and behavioral challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the neurobiology of sleep is crucial for identifying and managing childhood sleep disturbances.
  • Sleep disorders in children often share underlying mechanisms with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • Further research into these associations can inform integrated treatment approaches.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System05:59

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System

Published on: October 20, 2023

3.0K
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

5.3K

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...
1.0K
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:
3.0K
Insomnia01:27

Insomnia

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
623
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
1.4K
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.
902
Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.7K