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Sleep disorders in children

Oliveiero Bruni1, Luana Novelli

  • 1Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|March 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This systematic review examines treatments for childhood sleep disorders, including dyssomnias and parasomnias. Evidence was evaluated for interventions like behavioral therapy, melatonin, and sleep hygiene.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Clinical Evidence Synthesis

Background:

  • Sleep disorders affect 20-30% of young children, encompassing dyssomnias (difficulty sleeping) and parasomnias (sleepwalking, night terrors).
  • Children with disabilities face a higher risk of developing sleep disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effects of treatments for dyssomnias in children.
  • To systematically review the effects of treatments for parasomnias in children.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of studies including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
  • Searched major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to September 2009.
  • Included safety alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA).

Main Results:

  • 28 relevant studies were identified and included in the review.
  • A GRADE evaluation assessed the quality of evidence for various interventions.
  • Information on the effectiveness and safety of numerous treatments was compiled.

Conclusions:

  • The review synthesizes evidence on interventions for pediatric sleep disorders.
  • Interventions covered include behavioral therapy, medications (antihistamines, benzodiazepines, melatonin), light therapy, and sleep strategies.
  • Safety and effectiveness data are presented for a range of treatments for both dyssomnias and parasomnias.
Abstract

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