B-24: Effects of Sleep Regularity and Physical Activity on Neuropsychological Functioning in Neurodiverse and Neurotypical Children

Abstract

Objective: A significant impact of “lifestyle” factors on children’s neuropsychological functioning has been documented, though uncertainty remains regarding differential effects on neurotypical vs. neurodiverse children. This study examined associations between sleep regularity (SR) and frequency of physical activity (PA) and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with (ND+) and without (ND-) neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD and/or learning disorder), as reported by parental figures. Method/Data Selection: Data was obtained from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey. The sample included 5,741 children and adolescents (4,979 ND-, 762 ND+) ages 5 to 17 (M=11.5, SD=3.8). Outcome variables were difficulties with cognition (concentration, learning, memory, communication), emotions (depression, anxiety), behavior (behavioral regulation, coping with change), and socialization (making friends). Chi-square tests of independence and post-hoc tests were used to identify patterns of significance. Results/Data Synthesis: In ND- children, SR and higher levels of PA were consistently associated with better functioning across domains (all p<.03), except for anxiety, learning difficulties, and difficulties coping with change. In ND+ children, SR was associated with lower likelihood of cognitive difficulties, social difficulties, and depression (all p<.03), while higher levels of PA were only associated with better emotional and social functioning (all p<.02). Conclusions: SR and higher levels of PA had broad positive effects on neurotypical children’s cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functioning, and more limited positive effects on children with ADHD and/or a learning disorder. Family-level education and interventions that focus on sleep and exercise can have significant effects on children’s functioning. Further exploration of the magnitude of these effects, and moderating variables, is needed.