The Impact of Disturbed Sleep on Attention, Working Memory, and Reaction Time Tasks in Children with ADHD

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental/psychiatric condition in childhood (CDC; Gruber, 2009). Disturbances in sleep can create a variety of impairments, both cognitive and behavioral, and may negatively affect attention, memory, visuo-spatial abilities, sustained attention and divergent intelligence (creativity) (Stores, 1999). The aim of the present study was to examine the role that sleep disturbances had on the cognitive performance of children with ADHD. Specifically, the possible relationship between poor sleep and children’s performance on working memory, attention and reaction time tasks and poor sleep wereexamined. Overall, in the current sample of 54 children who underwent a neuropsychological evaluation at an outpatient clinic, the presence of sleep disturbances was not predictive of performance on tasks of attention and reaction time and memory. Although these findings seem counter to the existing literature, possible explanations forthese discrepancies are provided.