Sleep Problems in Childhood Predict Neuropsychological Functioning in Adolescence

Gregory, Alice M.; Caspi, Avshalom; Moffitt, Terrie E. and Poulton, Richie. 2009. Sleep Problems in Childhood Predict Neuropsychological Functioning in Adolescence. PEDIATRICS, 123(4), pp. 1171-1176. ISSN 0031-4005 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

OBJECTIVES. Our goal was to examine the association between parent-rated sleep problems during childhood and neuropsychological functioning during adolescence.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. Longitudinal prospective data on an entire birth cohort from Dunedin, New Zealand, were obtained. One thousand thirty-seven children were enrolled in the study (52% male). Parents reported on sleep problems when the study members were 5, 7, and 9 years of age. Neuropsychological functioning was
assessed by using 7 tests when the participants were 13 years of age.

RESULTS. After adjusting for gender and socioeconomic status, persistent sleep problems during childhood predicted scores on 2 neuropsychological tests: the copy score of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and 2 measures of performance on the Halstead Trail Making Test. These results were substantively replicated when sleep was assessed at the 5- and 9-year (but not 7-year) assessments separately.

CONCLUSIONS. Sleep problems during childhood may be associated with certain aspects of neuropsychological functioning during adolescence. This adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that childhood sleep problems may be a risk indicator of later difficulties.

Avshalom Caspi
Moffitt, PhDb,c,
Poulton, PhDd

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2008-0825

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Psychology > Unit for School and Family Studies
Research Office > REF2014

Dates:

DateEvent
April 2009Published

Item ID:

4101

Date Deposited:

06 Jul 2012 11:52

Last Modified:

30 Jun 2017 15:19

Peer Reviewed:

Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.

URI:

https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/4101

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