Sleep disturbances and their associations with disorders in emotional sphere and behavior in children

Kelmanson I.A.

doi:https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro202112111193

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Abstract:

The paper addresses associations between sleep disorders and emotional and behavioral disturbances in children. These associations are considered in a view of commonly found co-occurrences of sleep problems, signs of anxiety and depression, oppositional-defiant behavior, and increased aggressiveness. The authors put forward a conception of reciprocal influences of these disturbances and provide information on potential physiological mechanisms responsible for associations between sleep problems and emotional and behavioral disturbances in children. Attention is drawn to hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal axis activation, serotonergic and aminergic systems imbalance, impaired melatonin and orexins production. Possibility of an existing pattern encompassing sleep problems, emotional and behavioral disturbances is discussed. Practical recommendations aimed at timely identification and treatment of the mentioned disorders are suggested.

Keywords:

sleep

sleep disturbances

emotions

behavior

Authors:

Kelmanson I.A.

Almazov National Medical Research Centre;
Saint Petersburg State Institute for Psychology and Social Work

ORCID: 0000-0002-4449-2786

Received:

30.03.2020

Accepted:

01.04.2020

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References:

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