 |
|
Sleep Disorders Can Impair Children's IQs As Much As Lead Exposure
March 14, 2007Three decades ago, medical investigators began sounding the alarm about how lead exposure causes IQ deficits in children. Today, researchers at the University of Virginia Health System say children with sleep disorders can face similar risks of intellectual impairment.
UVa researchers have been studying sleep disturbances in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids for the past seven years. In a recent study, they discovered that youngsters who snore nightly scored significantly lower on vocabulary tests than those who snore less often.
"Vocabulary scores are known to be the best single predictor of a child's IQ and the strongest predictor of academic success," explains Dr. Paul M. Suratt, a pulmonologist who directs the UVa Sleep Laboratory.
According to Dr. Suratt, the vocabulary differences associated with nightly snoring are equivalent to the IQ dissimilarities attributed to lead exposure. "Studies show that, even at nontoxic levels, lead exposure can reduce a child's IQ by more than seven points," he notes.
Sleep disorders can be intellectually and behaviorally detrimental to children because they interrupt the deep sleep patterns needed for healthy development. At night, children with sleep disorders can be observed snoring, snorting, gasping, tossing and turning. During the day, these children can be irritable, hyperactive and unable to concentrate.
A key goal of the UVa researchers is to predict which children with sleep disorders are most likely to suffer cognitive impairment or develop behavior problems. "It's more difficult than you would think," Dr. Suratt explains. "Children with sleep disordered breathing may have cognitive impairment even if they don't completely stop breathing, even if their oxygen levels don't fall and even if they don't totally wake up."
In a series of studies involving six to twelve-year-olds, researchers have been piecing together a list of risk indicators. So far, snoring frequency combined with sleep lab results have proven to be the most reliable predictors of intellectual impairment and behavioral problems. Sleep duration and race appear to be important risk factors, too.
"One of our most recent studies found that kids who snore nightly and spend less time in bed score significantly lower on cognitive tests than children who snore less frequently and spend longer times bed," Dr. Suratt explains. "We've also found that obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSBD) occurs more often in African American children and, therefore, places them at greater risk of cognitive impairment."
As part of their quest to accurately identify at-risk children, UVa researchers are now testing a device that records breathing sounds during sleep at home. When used in the lab, this method has proven more sensitive than existing equipment in detecting sleep apnea in children.
"We're getting closer to the day when we can quickly establish risk profiles and effective treatment plans for children with sleep disorders. Our goal is to minimize the cognitive and behavioral problems that often develop," says Dr. Suratt.
University of Virginia Health System
According to Dr. Suratt, the vocabulary differences associated with nightly snoring are equivalent to the IQ dissimilarities attributed to lead exposure. "Studies show that, even at nontoxic levels, lead exposure can reduce a child's IQ by more than seven points," he notes.
Sleep disorders can be intellectually and behaviorally detrimental to children because they interrupt the deep sleep patterns needed for healthy development. At night, children with sleep disorders can be observed snoring, snorting, gasping, tossing and turning. During the day, these children can be irritable, hyperactive and unable to concentrate.
A key goal of the UVa researchers is to predict which children with sleep disorders are most likely to suffer cognitive impairment or develop behavior problems. "It's more difficult than you would think," Dr. Suratt explains. "Children with sleep disordered breathing may have cognitive impairment even if they don't completely stop breathing, even if their oxygen levels don't fall and even if they don't totally wake up."
In a series of studies involving six to twelve-year-olds, researchers have been piecing together a list of risk indicators. So far, snoring frequency combined with sleep lab results have proven to be the most reliable predictors of intellectual impairment and behavioral problems. Sleep duration and race appear to be important risk factors, too.
"One of our most recent studies found that kids who snore nightly and spend less time in bed score significantly lower on cognitive tests than children who snore less frequently and spend longer times bed," Dr. Suratt explains. "We've also found that obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSBD) occurs more often in African American children and, therefore, places them at greater risk of cognitive impairment."
As part of their quest to accurately identify at-risk children, UVa researchers are now testing a device that records breathing sounds during sleep at home. When used in the lab, this method has proven more sensitive than existing equipment in detecting sleep apnea in children.
"We're getting closer to the day when we can quickly establish risk profiles and effective treatment plans for children with sleep disorders. Our goal is to minimize the cognitive and behavioral problems that often develop," says Dr. Suratt.
University of Virginia Health System
Sleep Disorder Current Events and Sleep Disorder News RSSUT scientists discover link between protein and lung disease
In a development that could lead to a novel approach to the treatment of a devastating lung disease, biochemists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston report they are the first to link the osteopontin (OPN) protein to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Study finds increased 'sibling risk' of obstructive sleep apnea in children
A study in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP indicates that children have an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if they have at least one sibling who has been diagnosed with the sleep disorder.
Poor sleep in children may have prenatal origins
A study in the Aug.1 issue of the journal SLEEP found that alcohol consumption during pregnancy and small body size at birth predict poorer sleep and higher risk of sleep disturbances in 8-year-old children born at term.
ADHD genes found, known to play roles in neurodevelopment
Pediatric researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in children without ADHD.
Study shows a bidirectional relationship between chronic stress and sleep problems
People with chronic stress report shorter sleep duration, worse sleep quality, and more daytime functioning impairments.
Excessive gaming associated with poor sleep hygiene and increased sleepiness
Computer/console gamers who play for more than seven hours a week and who identify their gaming as an addiction sleep less during the weekdays and experience greater sleepiness than casual or non-gamers.
Sleep disorders are largely underdiagnosed in pediatric patients
Primary care pediatricians may be under-diagnosing sleep disorders in children and teens, according to a research abstract that will be presented on Monday, June 8 at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.
Narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder, Stanford researcher says
Ten years ago, Stanford University School of Medicine scientist Emmanuel Mignot, MD, PhD, and his colleagues made headlines when they identified the culprit behind the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
Study links ADHD with sleep problems in adolescents
A study in the May 1 issue of the journal SLEEP shows that adolescents with a childhood diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have current and lifetime sleep problems and disorders, regardless of the severity of current ADHD symptoms.
Treating sleep disorders in people with traumatic brain injury may not eliminate symptoms
A study in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine is the first to assess the effectiveness of treating sleep disorders in adults with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Results indicate that treatment may result in the objective resolution of the sleep disorder without improvements in daytime sleepiness or neuropsychological function.
More Sleep Disorder Current Events and Sleep Disorder News Articles
 |
The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep (Harvard Medical School Guides) by Lawrence Epstein (Author), Steven Mardon (Author) Put your sleep problems to rest with this proven six-step plan How many times have you heard it's important to get a good night's sleep? It sounds simple, but it isn't always easy. Now one of the nation's leading sleep experts gives you a step-by-step program for overcoming sleep problems from insomnia and snoring to restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea. Dr. Lawrence Epstein of Harvard Medical School reveals his proven six-step plan to maximize your nights and energize your days. He explains the health benefits of sleep and identifies signs of sleep problems as he gives in-depth advice on how to: Turn your bedroom into the optimal sleep environment Finally overcome insomnia Silence buzz-saw snoring Relax restless legs Deal with... |
 |
Sleep Disorder by Jack Ketchum (Author), Edward Lee (Author) The first collection of collaborations between Jack Ketchum and Edward Lee |
 |
Understanding Sleep Disorders (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Over 40 million American adults suffer each year from a variety of chronic, long-term sleep disorders. There are more than 70 different sleep disorders that are usually classified into three major categories: lack of sleep, or insomnia; disturbed sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea; and too much sleep, known as narcolepsy. Learn more about sleep disorders and how they can be easily managed once they are diagnosed. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Sleep Solutions (The Calming Collection) by Roberta Shapiro The first of this wonderfully helpful series is : SLEEP SOLUTIONS. Several techniques are provided, including meditation and hypnosis, which have been found to be highly effective with sleep problems and sleep management. The Calming Collection provides simple, direct solutions for dramatically reducing anxiety through the use of mindful meditation and hypnosis to more rapidly produce deep healing relaxation, profound relief of stress and anxiety and more rapid, lasting achievement of one's goals. These programs use the concept of hypno-meditation and were designed by Roberta Shapiro, M.Ed., a leading specialist in the field of anxiety management. They were formulated as a more rapid and helpful way to manage anxiety and other personal issues. Roberta Shapiro is a renowned psychotherapist... |
 |
Sleeping Through the Night, Revised Edition: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep by Jodi A. Mindell (Author) Right after "Is it a boy or a girl?" and "What's his/her name?," the next question people invariably ask new parents is "Are you getting any sleep?" Unfortunately, the answer is usually "Not much." In fact, studies show that approximately 25% of young children experience some type of sleep problem and, as any bleary-eyed parent will attest, it is one of the most difficult challenges of parenting. Drawing on her ten years of experience in the assessment and treatment of common sleep problems in children, Dr. Jodi A. Mindell now provides tips and techniques, the answers to commonly asked questions, and case studies and quotes from parents who have successfully solved their children's sleep problems. Unlike other books on the subject, Dr. Mindell also offers practical... |
 |
Verilux TwiLight Mini Ultra Blue Light Therapy Sleep System by Verilux The TwiLight Mini Ultra Blue Light Therapy Sleep System provides excellent blue light exposure that has been shown to optimize the re-calibration of the body's Circadian rhythm. Many studies have shown that the occurrence of sleep disturbance increase with age. The natural Circadian rhythm that regulates your body's sleep cycles can be thrown off by spending more time indoors as we age. Placing this compact device in your bedroom and activating its soothing blue light for 30-60 minutes prior to falling asleep will help you fall asleep faster and experience a more satisfying slumber. Young children and infants can also benefit from bathing their bedroom in the soft glow of blue light to falling asleep. The TwiLight System remains cool to the touch, so it's safe to use. The compact size... |
|
The Sleep Secret by Thomas "Trapper" Sherwood Hello and thank you for visiting our blog.I am a real person who has experienced lots of sleepless nights a few years ago and decided to do something about it. Through this blog we hope to help you remove insomnia, sleep disorders, sleep deprivation and more from your life. Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day. | |
 |
Weil Nutritionals Sleep Support Formula, 30 Capsules by Weil Nutritionals Having trouble sleeping? Dr. Weil’s exclusive Sleep Support Formula can help you get some needed rest. There are approximately 60 million sleep-starved Americans. The Weil Stress Support Formula is designed to help by promoting a deep, restful sleep. We use proven nutrients, such as melatonin, that can help your body relax while promoting sleep. Studies have shown melatonin can help overnight sleep efficiency, including increasing the hours people stay asleep and improving the quality of their slumber, especially during mid-cycle restorative REM sleep. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
 |
NARCOLEPTICS SLEEP AROUND disorder funny joke BW SHIRT by TS Threads Brand New Never Been Worn. Narcoleptics Sleep Around Shirt. Sizes Available: Youth Small - Adult 6XL Mention the size you want within your payment. |
 |
Sleep Disorders Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Sleep Disorders Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Sleep Disorders Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Sleep Disorders Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |