Sleep Spindle Features and Neurobehavioral Performance in Healthy School-Aged Children

Abstract

Purpose: In adults, central fast-frequency sleep spindles are involved in learning and memory functions. The density of local spindles is higher than global spindles, emphasizing the importance of local plastic neural processes. In children, findings on the association of spindles with cognition are more variable. Hence, we aim to study whether the local spindles are also important for neurobehavioral performance in children. Methods: We studied the correlations between local (occurring in only one channel: Fp1, Fp2, C3, or C4), bilateral, and diffuse (occurring in all four channels) spindles and neurobehavioral performance in 17 healthy children (median age 9.6 years). Results: Local spindles were not as frequent as bilateral spindles (P-values < 0.05). Central spindle types had significant correlations with sensorimotor and language functions (e.g., the density of bilateral central spindles correlated positively with the Object Assembly in NEPSY, r = 0.490). Interestingly, frontopolar spindles correlated with behavior (e.g., the more bilateral the frontopolar spindles, the less hyperactive the children, r = −0.618). Conclusions: In children, the local spindles, but also more widespread central spindles, seem to be involved in the cognitive processes. Based on our findings, it is important that ageadjusted frequency limits are used in studies evaluating the frequencies of spindles in children.

Nonrapid eye movement sleep characteristics and relations with motor, memory, and cognitive ability from infancy to preadolescence

“…In a similar examination, Sulkamo et al. (2021) investigated 9‐year olds and found a positive correlation between central spindle density and the object assembly domain of the WISC, but not with overall IQ. Hoedlmoser et al.…”

“…The reviewed studies also highlight some different relations among spindle features and memory performance on a task compared to memory assessed as a domain on the Neuropsychological Developmental Assessment (Brooks et al, 2009) in children around 9 years of age. In one study, Sulkamo et al (2021) found that central spindle frequency was positively associated with speeded naming, and faster central spindles were associated with poorer performance for facial memory; however, spindles were not associated with narrative memory. Contrary to these findings, Chatburn et al (2013) found that faster spindle frequencies were positively correlated with narrative memory.…”

“…In a similar study, Sulkamo et al. (2021) also examined relations with fine motor and sensorimotor ability and spindle density and frequency in children 8–10 years. In contrast to the findings of Chatburn et al.…”

“…Sulkamo et al. (2021) examined spindle associations with accuracy and speed on a vigilance task. Spindle density in the central left region was positively associated with response accuracy, whereas the topographic expression of central spindles was associated with reaction time for correct responses.…”

“…found that lower sleep spindle frequency correlated with specific domains on the WISC, such as better perceptual reasoning and working memory abilities; however, no other spindle features were associated with overall IQ. In a similar examination,Sulkamo et al (2021) investigated 9-year olds and found a positive correlation between central spindle density and the object assembly domain of the WISC, but not with overall IQ Hoedlmoser et al (2014). examined 9-year olds and found that children with greater slow spindle activity in frontal, central, parietal, and occipital regions exhibited higher cognitive abilities (via the WISC subtest scores vocabulary, matrix reasoning, and block design) Geiger et al (2011).…”