Sleep and Neuropsychological Functioning
The lab has three ongoing investigations into the effects of pediatric sleep pathology on neuropsychological functioning:
- One investigates the nature and reversibility of neuropsychological deficits associated with obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep problems (e.g., restlessness during sleep) in children. His lab is gathering data on over 200 obese children aged 10-16 who appear to be at high risk for sleep pathology.
- Another is looking at the impact of second-hand smoke on child sleep. A large, prospectively-collected database on asthmatic children (the Cincinnati Asthma Prevention Study) will allow for more precise measurement of second-hand smoke exposure and its subsequent effect on sleep.
- Another is examining the relationship over time between early sleep and neurobehavioral development. Teaming with the Cincinnati Children's Environmental Health Center, 400-500 children are being followed from prenatal recruitment through early childhood, with plans to extend the cohort long-term. Data being collected include parent sleep interviews and developmental assessments occurring during infancy and toddlerhood.
