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Influence of sleep on developing brain functions and structures in children and adolescents: A systematic review

Caroline Dutil1, Jeremy J Walsh2, Ryan B Featherstone1

  • 1Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada; School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.

Sleep Medicine Reviews
|September 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

This review found links between poor sleep and brain differences in children and adolescents. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits is crucial for pediatric brain health and overall well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Health
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Sleep is vital for development.
  • Understanding sleep's impact on the pediatric brain is crucial.
  • Existing research shows associations between sleep and brain health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review associations between sleep and brain functions/structures in children and adolescents (1-17 years).
  • To synthesize findings on how sleep characteristics impact the developing brain.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 24 peer-reviewed studies.
  • Included studies focused on healthy children and adolescents (1-17 years).
  • Examined various sleep characteristics (duration, quality, timing) and brain outcomes (excluding cognitive functions).

Main Results:

  • Reviewed studies suggest relationships between inadequate sleep and altered brain functions or structures.
  • Findings indicate sleep's importance for the developing brain.
  • Diversity in sleep variables and outcomes limits broad conclusions.

Conclusions:

  • While firm conclusions are challenging due to study diversity, sleep is clearly important for pediatric brain health.
  • Prioritizing healthy sleep habits in children and adolescents is essential.
  • Healthcare providers should advocate for adequate sleep for overall and brain health.

Keywords:
AdolescentsBrainChildrenCortexNeurodevelopmentNeuroimagingNeuronsPreschoolersPublic healthToddlers

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