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

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Published on: October 2, 2019

Behavioural aspects of children's sleep.

¹Department of Psychology, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK. lwiggs@brookes.ac.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood

|November 4, 2008

Summary

Behavioral factors significantly impact childhood sleep problems, with behavior therapy proving effective for management. Research also supports behavioral interventions for other sleep disorders, indicating future research potential.

Area of Science:

Pediatric sleep medicine
Behavioral psychology
Child psychology

Background:

Empirical evidence supports the role of behavioral factors in childhood sleeplessness.
Behavior therapy is an established effective management strategy for childhood sleep issues.
A growing body of literature suggests behavioral interventions are beneficial for other sleep disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the behavioral aspects of children's sleep.
To outline how behavior therapy can address these behavioral aspects.
To discuss clinical considerations for using behavioral therapy in pediatric sleep.

Main Methods:

Literature review of empirical evidence on behavioral factors in childhood sleep.
Analysis of research supporting behavioral interventions for various sleep disorders.

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Discussion of clinical applications and considerations for behavior therapy in pediatric sleep.

Main Results:

Behavioral factors are well-established contributors to childhood sleep onset and maintenance problems.
Behavior therapy is a proven effective treatment for many childhood sleep disturbances.
Behavioral interventions show promise for managing rhythmic movement disorders, arousal disorders, nightmares, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Conclusions:

Behavior therapy is a key component in managing childhood sleep problems.
Further research is warranted to explore behavioral interventions for a broader range of pediatric sleep disorders.
Clinical implementation of behavior therapy requires consideration of its role alongside other treatments, special populations, and family delivery methods.