ABSTRACT

Sleep has marked effects on learning, neurocognitive functions, integration of information, and quality of life during childhood. Many pediatric diseases may impair both quality of sleep and quality of life of children.. Diseases with chronic or progressive nature, requiring regular drug use or long term follow-up, causing somatic complaints like pain may effect sleep qualitatively or quantitatively. A better understanding of the effects of these diseases on sleep will have a positive effect on the neurocognitive and physical development of patients. Sleep disorders could be an etiologic factor for cardiovascular, neurocognitive and endocrinological disorders as well. Diabetes, childhood cancers, diseases with chronic pain, neurological diseases and airway pathologies may cause sleep disorders in childhood. Further understanding and better treatment of sleep disorders may contribute to the general well-being of the patients.