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Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

A systematic review of treatments for settling problems and night waking in young children

P Ramchandani1, L Wiggs, V Webb

  • 1University of Oxford Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Park Hospital for Children, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LQ. paulgulab@aol.com

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|January 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Behavioral interventions are more effective for childhood sleep problems than drugs. This systematic review found behavioral strategies offer both short-term and potential long-term benefits for settling issues and night waking in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Settling problems and night waking are common in young children.
  • These sleep disturbances can significantly impact children and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for settling problems and night waking in children aged five years or younger.
  • To compare drug-based and non-drug-based interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
  • Inclusion criteria: children aged ≤5 years with sleep problems, interventions with comparisons (placebo, waiting list, or alternative treatment).
  • Outcomes measured: night waking frequency, time to settle, and duration of sleep problems.

Main Results:

  • Pharmacological treatments showed short-term efficacy for night waking, but long-term benefits were uncertain.
  • Behavioral interventions demonstrated both short-term effectiveness and potential for sustained improvement in settling and night waking.

Conclusions:

  • Behavioral interventions are recommended for childhood sleep problems due to their lasting benefits.
  • Given the prevalence and impact of these issues, long-term solutions like behavioral strategies are highly desirable.
Abstract

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