What does sleep have to do with it? Understanding the impact of sleep disturbance on brain development in children

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Thursday, September 20, 2012, 7 p.m.
The Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen Street West, Toronto
RSVP: cafescientifique@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

It is estimated that 10-45% of Canadian children have sleep disorders. The problems can vary, and include things such as insomnia, daytime sleepiness, night terrors and sleepwalking. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, autism and cerebral palsy) are even more prone to dealing with these issues.

How does disturbed sleep have an impact on a child's brain? Documented effects include delays in cognitive development, moodiness, troubles with communication and poor academic performance. Children are often treated with medications for their daytime behaviour, but this could be causing further trouble with nighttime slumber.

Join us for a discussion about current research efforts into sleep disorders with children, and learn about strategies that can help manage these problems. Refreshments will be served.

This free event is hosted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, its Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health, and NeuroDevNet.

Space is limited.

Experts

Evelyn Constantin, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
McGill University

Ana Hanlon-Dearman, MD, MSc
Associate Professor of
Pediatrics and Child Health
University of Manitoba

Osman Ipsiroglu, MD, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor
University of British Columbia

Shelly Weiss, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
University of Toronto

Moderator

Anne McIlroy
Reporter, The Globe and Mail