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Behavioral sleep problems in children and adolescents.
1The Sleep Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St. and Civic Ctr. Blvd., 9NW 50, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. mooremel@email.chop.edu
Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
|March 6, 2012
Summary
Psychologists play a key role in assessing and treating common childhood sleep problems. Behavioral approaches are effective for various sleep disorders in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Sleep problems are prevalent in children and adolescents, affecting multiple aspects of their lives and family functioning.
- Psychologists are essential members of interdisciplinary sleep teams, contributing to the assessment and treatment of sleep issues.
- Sleep disorders can stem from medical conditions, co-occurring psychological or developmental issues, or behavioral factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the assessment of behavioral sleep problems in children and adolescents.
- To review specific behavioral sleep disorders.
- To outline evidence-based behavioral treatments for pediatric sleep problems.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on behavioral sleep medicine in pediatric populations.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria for common behavioral sleep disorders.
- Overview of psychological and behavioral interventions for sleep problems.
Main Results:
- Behavioral approaches are applicable to a range of sleep problems, including those with medical or psychological comorbidities.
- Specific behavioral sleep disorders such as inadequate sleep hygiene, behavioral insomnia of childhood, nightmares, and delayed sleep phase syndrome can be effectively managed.
- Psychophysiological insomnia is another condition where behavioral interventions are central to treatment.
Conclusions:
- Psychologists are vital in addressing the assessment and treatment of behavioral sleep problems in youth.
- Behavioral interventions offer effective strategies for managing diverse pediatric sleep disorders.
- A comprehensive understanding of behavioral sleep medicine is crucial for improving child and family well-being.
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