Sleep and Neuropsychomotor Development: Impacts of Sleep Restriction in Childhood

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for healthy neuropsychomotor development in childhood. Adequate sleep supports cognitive functions, emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and motor skill acquisition, all of which are crucial during the rapid growth and learning that characterize early life. However, sleep restriction is increasingly prevalent among children due to environmental, familial, and technological factors, leading to potential impairments in attention, learning, behavior, and psychosocial functioning. Understanding the relationship between sleep and neuropsychomotor development is vital for guiding preventive strategies, clinical interventions, and public health policies aimed at promoting optimal development and long-term well-being in children. This literature review was conducted using scientific publications retrieved from the Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, CAPES Journals Portal, and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), with no time restrictions. Sleep is a critical determinant of neuropsychomotor development in childhood, influencing cognitive performance, motor skills, emotional regulation, and social functioning. Evidence indicates that sleep restriction or poor sleep quality is associated with attention deficits, learning difficulties, behavioral alterations, and delayed psychomotor development. Early identification of sleep disturbances, implementation of healthy sleep routines, and parental guidance are essential to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, public health and educational strategies can support sleep promotion on a population level. Recognizing and addressing sleep as a fundamental component of child development is crucial for ensuring both immediate well-being and long-term cognitive, motor, and emotional growth.