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Sleep physiology and sleep disorders in childhood

Authors El Shakankiry H

Published 6 September 2011 Volume 2011:3 Pages 101—114

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S22839

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Hanan M El Shakankiry
King Fahd University Hospital, Al Dammam University, Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Sleep has long been considered as a passive phenomenon, but it is now clear that it is a period of intense brain activity involving higher cortical functions. Overall, sleep affects every aspect of a child's development, particularly higher cognitive functions. Sleep concerns are ranked as the fifth leading concern of parents. Close to one third of all children suffer from sleep disorders, the prevalence of which is increased in certain pediatric populations, such as children with special needs, children with psychiatric or medical diagnoses and children with autism or pervasive developmental disorders. The paper reviews sleep physiology and the impact, classification, and management of sleep disorders in the pediatric age group.

Keywords: sleep physiology, sleep disorders, childhood, epilepsy

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