Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
10:02

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD

Published on: March 12, 2020

15.7K

Characteristics of the Attentional Network in Children with Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Yunxiao Wu1, Yan Wang2,3, Changming Wang4

  • 1Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Nature and Science of Sleep
|September 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) show impaired attention due to overactive alerting networks. Alerting network efficiency in pediatric OSA is not directly linked to disease severity, requiring further research into underlying neural mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent in children and can impact neurodevelopment.
  • Attention deficits are a common concern in children with SDB, but the underlying neural mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the characteristics of the attentional network in children with SDB.
  • To identify factors associated with attentional network dysfunction in pediatric SDB.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 228 children (aged 6-10 years) including controls, primary snoring (PS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) groups were assessed.
  • Polysomnography (PSG), ADHD rating scales, and the Attention Network Test (ANT) were administered.
  • Participants were categorized based on SDB history and obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI).

Main Results:

  • The OSA group exhibited higher body mass index and a greater proportion of boys compared to controls.
  • Attention deficit and hyperactive impulsivity scores were independently associated with OAHI.
  • The alerting network efficiency was higher in the OSA group than in controls, but not linearly correlated with OAHI after adjustments.

Conclusions:

  • Children with OSA demonstrate attention impairments linked to excessive activation of the alerting network.
  • Alerting network efficiency does not appear to correlate directly with SDB severity.
  • Further research is necessary to clarify the neural underpinnings of attention deficits in pediatric OSA.
Abstract

Keywords:
alerting networkattentionchildobstructive sleep apnea

More Related Videos

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos05:32

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

9.0K
Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults08:25

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults

Published on: October 19, 2014

15.3K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
85
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:
1.4K
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...
177
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

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...
233
Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation01:13

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
2.0K
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
188