Author/Authors :
Shaaban, S.Y. Ain Shams University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Paediatrics, Egypt , El-Sayed, H.L. Ain Shams University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Paediatrics, Egypt , Nassar, M.F. Ain Shams University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Paediatrics, Egypt , Asaad, T. Ain Shams University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, Egypt , Gomaa, S.M. National Centre for Social and Criminological Research - Division of Chemistry and Biological Research, Egypt
Abstract :
A standard sleep questionnaire was given to the parents of 26 infants with protein-energy malnutrition who underwent polysomnography evaluation. These investigations were repeated approximately 2 months after enrolment in a nutritional rehabilitation programme based on World Health Organization guidelines. Anthropometric values and serum serotonin levels were also measured. After nutritional rehabilitation there was a significantly higher percentage of non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep; 2nd REM time, and latency times for sleep and REM sleep increased. Percentages of REM sleep and serum serotonin levels decreased significantly. Protein-energy malnutrition seems to affect the sleep-wake cycle; disturbed serotonin levels may be among the factors responsible.
