Neurocognitive dysfunction and sleep in children: From human to rodent

Adults with sleep disturbances frequently exhibit a wide range of neurocognitive decrements, and these deficits are frequently reversed with treatment. The consequences of sleep disturbances on neurocognitive function in children have not been evaluated fully, however. Studies suggest that children with sleep problems have reduced memory, attention, and intelligence and problematic behavior. This article takes a critical look at the current literature and discusses the findings in conjunction with available animal models of sleep disturbance.