Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 30, 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

Relationship between sleep, sleep apnea, and neuropsychological function in children with Down syndrome

Lee J Brooks1, Molly N Olsen, Ann Mary Bacevice

  • 1Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Sleep Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA, brooksl@email.chop.edu.

Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
|May 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is common in children with Down syndrome but not a primary cause of cognitive deficits. However, improving sleep quality, particularly slow-wave sleep, and treating SDB can enhance attention and cognitive function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Down syndrome is associated with cognitive impairments.
  • Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent in children with Down syndrome.
  • The impact of SDB on neuropsychological deficits in this population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between sleep, SDB, and neuropsychological deficits in children with Down syndrome.
  • To determine if treating SDB improves cognitive function in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 25 children with Down syndrome.
  • Utilized polysomnography (PSG) and Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT).
  • Administered comprehensive neuropsychological tests before and after SDB treatment.

Main Results:

  • No direct link found between SDB and baseline neuropsychological deficits.
  • Total sleep time and slow-wave sleep correlated with cognitive ability, comprehension, achievement, and adaptive behavior.
  • Successful SDB treatment led to improvements in attention and adaptive behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • SDB is not the primary driver of cognitive deficits in Down syndrome.
  • Sleep quantity and quality, especially slow-wave sleep, are crucial for cognitive function.
  • Treatment of SDB shows potential to improve attention in children with Down syndrome.
Abstract

More Related Videos

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
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
914
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
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
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
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking01:17

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.8K
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