Sleep-wake cycle disturbances in protein-energy malnutrition: effect of nutritional rehabilitation

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Abstract
A standard sleep questionnaire was given to the parents of 26 infants with protein-energy malnutrition who underwent polysomnographic 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 responsibleCitation
Shaaban, S.Y., El Sayed, H.L., Nassar, M.F., Asaad, T. & Gomaa, S.M. (2007). Sleep-wake cycle disturbances in protein-energy malnutrition: effect of nutritional rehabilitation. EMHJ - Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 13 (3), 633-645, 2007 https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/117293