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Treatment strategies for complex behavioral insomnia in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Madeleine Grigg-Damberger1, Frank Ralls

  • 1aDepartment of Neurology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine bPediatric Sleep Medicine Services, University Hospital Sleep Disorders Center cClinical Neurodiagnostic Laboratory, University of New Mexico Medical Center dDepartment of Internal Medicine eAdult Sleep Medicine Services fProgram in Sleep Medicine, University of New Mexico Hospital Sleep Disorders Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|September 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric behavioral insomnias in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex and chronic. Behavioral therapies and melatonin offer benefits for treating sleep problems in children with NDDs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric sleep medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Behavioral psychology

Background:

  • Insomnia is prevalent and challenging in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
  • Genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to sleep-wake regulation abnormalities in NDDs.
  • Poor sleep hygiene, maladaptive associations, and limit-setting issues exacerbate sleep problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent research on pediatric behavioral insomnias in neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • To discuss current treatment strategies for sleep problems in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research.
  • Synthesis of findings on the etiology and treatment of pediatric insomnia in NDDs.

Main Results:

  • Sleep problems in children with NDDs are complex, chronic, and difficult to manage.
  • Behavioral therapies and melatonin are beneficial for treating sleep issues.
  • Sleep disturbances are integral to the diagnostic criteria for certain neurodevelopmental syndromes.

Conclusions:

  • Children and adolescents with neurological disorders often experience complex sleep disorders requiring intervention.
  • Understanding the underlying pathology and treatment options can improve the quality of life for affected children and their families.
Abstract

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