Exercise, Weight, and Sleep

Abstract

Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are at increased risk for physical inactivity and obesity. Inactive or obese children are more likely to become inactive or obese adults, resulting in increased risk for developing several chronic conditions. The literature has documented a strong relationship between exercise, weight, and sleep in adults and typically developing children, but this is much less clear in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Understanding the impact that physical activity and weight can have on sleep disorders may help develop interventions that target modifiable behaviors to treat sleep disorders in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.