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Sleep and Neurodevelopment in Children and Adolescents

This article discusses the importance of sleep for neurodevelopment in children and adolescents, highlighting the link between sleep disorders and emotional dysregulation, and providing advice on monitoring sleep patterns.

Read original article in Italian

Italian

Italy

HealthLifestyleMental HealthSleepChildBrain DevelopmentAdolescent

Asst Ospedali Civili Di BresciaSocietà Italiana Di Neuropsichiatria Infantile (Sinpia)Ospedale S. Andrea Di RomaSapienza University Of Rome

Elisa FazziOliviero BruniChiara Bidoli

Why is adolescence a high-risk period for sleep deprivation?: Sleep disorders in early life are predictive of emotional dysregulation disorders in later life. Adolescents with sleep problems face difficulties with concentration, decision-making, and mood regulation, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and risky behavior.
How does sleep develop in newborns, children, and adolescents?: The first 1000 days of life are crucial for neurosviluppo due to the brain's plasticity, allowing for structural and functional changes based on experiences. This period sees significant synaptogenesis (formation of connections between neurons) and myelination (formation of myelin sheath around neurons), enhancing nerve impulse transmission.
What are the connections between sleep disorders and emotional dysregulation?: Sleep in newborns involves alternating 3-hour cycles of wakefulness and sleep, with a mix of active and quiet sleep. As children grow, the circadian rhythm stabilizes, sleep patterns change, and the amount of sleep decreases; in adolescence, the melatonin peak shifts, leading to later sleep times.
What is neurosviluppo and why is it important during early childhood and adolescence?: Neurosviluppo is the developmental process of the central nervous system, starting from conception and lasting until late adolescence. It involves the formation of circuits governing motor functions, cognitive abilities, communication, social interactions, sensory functions, and self-regulation.
How can parents monitor their children's sleep, and what are the warning signs of sleep problems?: Monitoring sleep involves observing daytime behavior, such as irritability, poor school performance, hyperactivity, or inattention. In adolescents, checking sleep schedules and screen time is essential; prolonged screen use can significantly impact sleep quality and overall well-being.

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