A research study conducted by a West Virginia University psychology professor shows infants who snore and wake themselves up as a result have lower scores on standardized mental development tests.

The research results, conducted by Hawley Montgomery-Downs, an assistant professor of psychology in WVU ’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, along with David Gozal of the University of Louisville , are published in the March 2006 issue of the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to:http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/

The researchers assessed the potential association between snoring and the decrease in developmental performance among 35 healthy infants who were an average of 8.2 months of age.

The results showed a clear link between infants who snore and wake themselves up and lower scores on standardized mental development tests, Montgomery-Downs said.

The study also indicates that exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke may contribute to the harmful effects of infant snoring.

The authors conclude that the study and others support the need for identification and evaluation of young children with recognizable risk factors for sleep disordered breathing.

The study is receiving national media attention this week via Reuters Health and ABC News, among others.

For more information on the study, contact Dr. Montgomery-Downs at 304-293-2001, ext. 31610, or 304-216-6667.