Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
06:23

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

Associations between REM-related respiratory disturbances, metabolic biomarkers, and memory impairment in pediatric

Kai Zhang1, Dandi Ma1, Ruobing Song1

  • 1Clinical Department of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.

Pediatric Research
|May 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) experience REM sleep disruption and metabolic issues, impacting declarative memory. Early detection and metabolic interventions are crucial for preventing cognitive deficits in pediatric SDB.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly linked to cognitive impairment in children, but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
  • This study investigates the relationship between SDB severity, sleep patterns, metabolic markers, and declarative memory in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the associations among SDB severity, sleep architecture, metabolic biomarkers, and declarative memory in children.
  • To elucidate the role of REM sleep disturbances and metabolic dysregulation in cognitive deficits associated with pediatric SDB.

Main Methods:

  • 117 children with snoring underwent polysomnography (PSG) and a paired-associate learning test for declarative memory.
  • Serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, soluble leptin receptor, leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio, and free leptin index (FLI) were measured.
  • REM-specific respiratory disturbance indices were analyzed in relation to cognitive performance and metabolic biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • REM-related respiratory disturbance indices were negatively correlated with immediate and delayed recognition accuracy.
  • Higher leptin and FLI levels were associated with poorer memory performance, while adiponectin was lower in severe SDB.
  • The L/A ratio and FLI correlated positively with REM disturbances and negatively with cognitive function.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric SDB is associated with REM sleep disruption and metabolic dysregulation, leading to impaired declarative memory.
  • Leptin resistance, potentially mediated by hippocampal dysfunction, may underlie these cognitive deficits.
  • Early detection and metabolic interventions targeting REM-specific SDB are essential for preventing cognitive impairment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Related Concept Videos

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...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Alterations in Respiration II01:30

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...