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Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
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Published on: February 17, 2023

[Treatment of insomnia in children: pharmacological aspects]

Ma A Idiazábal Alecha1, E Estivill Sancho

  • 1Unidad de Sueño, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, España. mariannf@eresmas.com

Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|September 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pediatricians often treat childhood sleep disorders with medication, though non-pharmacological approaches like sleep hygiene are preferred. Melatonin shows promise for treating insomnia in children, especially those with neurological conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Childhood sleep disorders are a growing concern, with many pediatricians using medication despite limited recommendations for children.
  • Established treatments for adult insomnia are often unsuitable for pediatric populations.
  • Over half of pediatricians report using medication for childhood sleep issues.

Purpose:

  • To review the causes of insomnia in children from birth to school age.
  • To discuss and evaluate various therapeutic options for pediatric insomnia.
  • To highlight effective treatments for different types of childhood insomnia.

Summary:

  • Commonly used hypnotics include benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine agents (e.g., imidazopyridine).
  • Melatonin, while less studied, appears safe and effective for school-aged children's insomnia.
  • Initial management involves assessing sleep and environmental factors, ruling out organic causes, and educating parents on sleep hygiene.

Impact:

  • Emphasizes non-pharmacological interventions like sleep hygiene and habit training as first-line treatments.
  • Suggests cautious use of pharmacological agents with the lowest effective doses when necessary.
  • Identifies melatonin as a potentially valuable and safe option for pediatric insomnia, including in children with neurological disorders.

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