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Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder, Cognitive Functioning, and Behavioral-Psychiatric Syndromes in Children

Louise M O'Brien1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Sleep Disorders Center, C736 Med Inn Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5845, USA; Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Sleep Medicine Clinics
|June 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Childhood sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is linked to cognitive and behavioral issues. Early screening can identify children needing evaluation, though definitive causal evidence is pending further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Childhood sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is frequently associated with cognitive and behavioral problems.
  • Many children with SDB symptoms remain undiagnosed, despite the potential for simple screening to identify them.
  • The causal link between SDB and neurodevelopmental impairments requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the association between childhood sleep disordered breathing and cognitive/behavioral disturbances.
  • To emphasize the importance of screening for SDB in children.
  • To note the ongoing research into the causal relationship and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on childhood SDB and its associated neurocognitive and behavioral effects.
  • Discussion of the diagnostic challenges and the role of screening.
  • Mention of a current randomized controlled trial (RCT) for SDB treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Strong associations exist between childhood SDB and cognitive/behavioral disturbances, including psychiatric diagnoses.
  • A significant proportion of children with SDB symptoms are not identified through current practices.
  • Definitive evidence for SDB as a direct cause of impairment is still under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood SDB is a significant concern with potential neurodevelopmental consequences.
  • Screening for SDB in children is crucial for early identification and intervention.
  • Further research, including RCTs, is necessary to establish causality and treatment efficacy.

Keywords:
Behavioral outcomeCognitive outcomesPsychiatric outcomesSleep-disordered breathing

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