[Sleep disorders in healthy children follows often a "learnt" behavioral pattern. Diurnal rhythm disturbances are...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Child Psychology
• Sleep Medicine

Context:

• Established in 1994, a Swedish children's sleep disorders clinic evaluated 71 children over three years.
• Patients ranged from 0.5 to 26 years old, presenting with diverse medical conditions.
• The clinic integrated child neurology/somnology with child psychology services.

Purpose:

• To clinically examine children with sleep problems.
• To differentiate sleep issues in healthy versus medically-impaired children.
• To assess the efficacy of different interventions, including psychological support and medication.

Summary:

• Most children examined had underlying medical conditions, including 25 with mental retardation.
• Circadian sleep disturbances were most common in children with physical impairments.
• Habitual insomnia was the predominant sleep issue in healthy children.

Impact:

• Detailed patient history proved crucial for accurate sleep diagnosis and treatment.
• Psychological support was effective for habitual insomnia in healthy children.
• Melatonin demonstrated efficacy specifically for circadian sleep disorders; other medications were used sparingly.