Sleepiness at School May Be Tied to Learning Problems

Interesting that the writer finally indicates that EDUCATORS mare good resources judge daytime sleepiness. Of course! JR

Sleepiness at School May Be Tied to Learning Problems

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on May 4, 2012

In a new study, researchers learned that when parents described a child as presenting with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), even though clinical tests show them sleeping long enough at night, the child was apt to have a learning, attention or behavioral problem.

Investigators learned that despite little indication of short sleep from traditional measurements, EDS was more likely to occur in children who were experiencing learning, attention/hyperactivity and conduct problems.

Researchers believe a variety of factors contribute to EDS in this cohort. Investigators posit obesity, symptoms of inattention, depression and anxiety, asthma and parent-reported trouble falling asleep were contributory factors to EDS even among children with no signs of diminished sleep time or sleep apnea.

“Impairment due to EDS in cognitive and behavioral functioning can have a serious impact on a child’s development,” said Susan Calhoun, Ph.D., the study’s lead author....

Calhoun says that parents and educators are good resources for determining if a child seems excessively sleepy in the daytime and the complaint should be taken seriously.

Fifteen percent of children normally have EDS, although this study suggests the percent is higher among children with learning, attention and behavior problems.

Full article HERE