Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
08:20
Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
12.4K
Sleep Macrostructure and NREM Sleep Instability Analysis in Pediatric Developmental Coordination Disorder
Maria Esposito1, Francesco Precenzano2, Ilaria Bitetti3
1Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," via Sergio Pansini 5, 80100 Naples, Italy. maria.esposito3@unicampania.it.
Summary
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) exhibit significant sleep structure abnormalities. These sleep issues, particularly rapid A-phase components, may impact motor coordination development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) involves impaired motor skills without sensory, cognitive, or neurological deficits.
- DCD affects daily life activities across all age groups.
- Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as potential factors in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep structure and Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP) parameters in children with DCD.
- To explore correlations between sleep architecture, CAP parameters, and motor coordination skills in children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 42 children with DCD to 79 typically developing children.
- Utilized overnight polysomnography (PSG) for detailed sleep analysis.
- Assessed motor coordination using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in sleep architecture and CAP parameters were observed between the DCD and non-DCD groups.
- Identified significant correlations between specific sleep parameters and motor coordination skills.
- DCD children demonstrated notable abnormalities in their sleep structure.
Conclusions:
- Children with DCD exhibit distinct sleep structure abnormalities.
- The rapid components of A phases in sleep may play a crucial role in motor coordination development.
- Findings suggest sleep monitoring and intervention could be beneficial for children with DCD.
Related Concept Videos
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
1.2K
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
1.2K
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
2.6K
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:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
2.6K
01:22Stages of Sleep
1.3K
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
1.3K
01:07Narcolepsy
453
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.
453
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
404
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...
Nightmares...
404
01:27Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
454
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
454