The Association Between Lead and Micronutrient Status, and Children's Sleep, Classroom Behavior, and Activity

• DOI: 10.3200/aeoh.62.2.105-112
• Publication Date: 2008-03-04T01:12:53Z
• Authors: Katarzyna Kordas; K. Marcela Casava...; Cristina Mendoza; Patricia Lopez; Dolores Ronquillo; Jorge L. Rosado; Gonzalo García Va...; Rebecca J. Stoltzfus
• Keywords: Bedtime; Sleep; Association (psychology)

The role of lead exposure or micronutrient deficiencies in children's sleep problems is unknown. Although elevated blood concentrations (BPb) are clearly related to behavior children, few researchers have used objective observations. authors investigated relationships between lead, status, sleep, classroom behavior, and activity Mexican children aged 6-8 years living close a metal foundry. Mean BPb was 11.5 ± 6.1 μg/dL; 50% had levels ≥ 10 μg/dL. Ten percent hemoglobin < 12.4 g/dL. Parents reported on fatigue (n 550). also observed = 157) measured physical 168). μg/dL associated with later waking time shorter duration sleep. Anemia linked more off-task behaviors, lower activity, earlier bedtime, onset. Researchers should investigate these further, using sensitive measures.