exeCUtIve FUNCtIONING IN tHe PReSeNCe OF SleeP-dISORdeRed bReAtHING: A CORRelAtION OF NeUROCOGNItIve SkIllS ANd CORtICAl tHICkNeSS

specialized systems—each handling specific kinds of information, working relatively independently of each other to do routine tasks. When presented with a new task, however, these systems need to develop a responsive program. this process of defining the task, and designing a program to respond, is part of the brain’s executive functions, which are believed to be mostly located in the anterior portion of the brain. these executive functions are responsible for purposeful, goal-oriented behavior. When trying to understand executive function, it is important to consider the relationships between these executive functions and the frontal lobes. damage to the frontal lobe is thought to cause changes to executive function. beebe and Gozal developed a theoretical model to explain the impact of sleepiness and hypoxia on executive functioning. this model provides a framework for researchers to examine links between the medical disorder and the neuropsychological consequences. this study and its variables are driven by beebe and Gozal’s theory, using these constructs in their research design.