Investigating the association between the lunar cycle and sleep, physiological, cognitive, and physical performance in children with Down syndrome-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Investigating the association between the lunar cycle and sleep, physiological, cognitive, and physical performance in children with Down syndrome

Published:2024-03 Issue:1 Volume:13 Page:
ISSN:2277-9531
Container-title:Journal of Education and Health Promotion
language:en
Short-container-title:

Author:

Lammouchi Zohra¹,Guelmami Noomen²³,Abedelmalek Salma⁴,Saidane Mouna²⁵,Ghouili Hatem²,Rebhi Mahmoud²,Fessi Mohamed Saifedine¹,Aissa Mohamed Ben²,Bedhioufi Hafsi¹,Saad Helmi Ben⁴⁶,Dergaa Ismail²⁷⁸

Affiliation:

1. Department of Human Sciences, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia

2. Department of Human and Social Sciences, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia

3. Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

4. Department of Sport Science and Physical Activity, College of Education, Ha’il University, Saudi Arabia

5. Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia

6. Department of Physiology and Functional Explorations, Farhat HACHED Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia

7. Department of Preventive Health, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar

8. Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé (EM2S) LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) offer a compelling context within the fieldof human biology for examining potential lunar influences. While the exact mechanisms governing lunar effects are still under investigation, a growing body of scientific inquiry suggests possible connections between lunar phases and physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters. This investigation holds promise for uncovering the intricate interplay between lunar cycles (LCs) and the unique biology of children with DS. This study investigated the potential influence of the LC on physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters in children with DS, focusing on sleep patterns, physical performance, and cognitive abilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen children with DS participated in this study. Sleep data, physical performance metrics, and cognitive test results were collected throughout the LC, including the new moon (NM), first quarter, full moon (FM), and third quarter. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the differences in these parameters across lunar phases. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in sleep patterns, with reduced total sleep time (P < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (P < 0.001) during the FM phase. Heart rates (HRs) before (P < 0.001) and after (P < 0.01) exercise also displayed pronounced changes during LC. Additionally, the reaction time (RT) exhibited a significant difference (P < 0.01) across the lunar phases. However, physical performance metrics, including squat jump (SJ), sprint, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), did not show significant variations. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that LC may have a moderating effect on sleep patterns, HR, and cognitive performance in children with DS. These findings have practical implications for caregivers and educators and highlight the importance of considering lunar-associated variations in planning schedules and interventions for children with DS.

Publisher

Medknow

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