Neuropsychological consequences of sleep disturbance in children with epilepsy

Julia F Beattie; Sarah A Koch; Lauren B Bolden; Matthew D Thompson

doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.01.037

Neuropsychological consequences of sleep disturbance in children with epilepsy

Epilepsy Behav. 2016 Apr;57(Pt A):118-123. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.01.037. Epub 2016 Mar 3.

Authors

Julia F Beattie¹, Sarah A Koch², Lauren B Bolden³, Matthew D Thompson⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Campbell Hall 201, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. Electronic address: jbeattie@uab.edu.
² Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Campbell Hall 201, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. Electronic address: sakoch@uab.edu.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Campbell Hall 201, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. Electronic address: lbolden@uab.edu.
⁴ Children's Behavioral Health, Children's of Alabama, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. Electronic address: matthew.thompson@childrensal.org.

PMID: 26949152
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.01.037

Abstract

A growing body of research reveals strong relationships between sleep disturbance, sleep architecture, and neuropsychological functioning in children. Children with epilepsy experience numerous neuropsychological comorbidities, including cognitive deficiencies and emotional/behavioral difficulties; thus, it is reasonable to consider the moderating role of sleep in this population. This review summarizes findings involving the prevalence and characteristics of sleep problems often experienced by children with epilepsy. The complex and bidirectional relationship between sleep and seizure frequency is discussed. Research pertaining to the relationship between sleep disturbance and daytime cognition as well as behavior reveals a substantial association between these variables. Clinically relevant practices related to the assessment and treatment of sleep-related complications are reviewed, and directions for further research involving intervention and assessment are also reviewed.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Neuropsychological comorbidities; Seizures; Sleep.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
Child Behavior Disorders / etiology*
Child, Preschool
Emotions
Epilepsy / complications*
Epilepsy / psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Seizures / psychology*
Sleep Wake Disorders / epidemiology
Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology*
Sleep Wake Disorders / psychology