Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
08:20
Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Sleep problems in children
R Baweja1, S Calhoun, R Baweja
1Department of Psychiatry Penn State Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA, USA - rbaweja@hmc.psu.edu.
Minerva Pediatrica
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Pediatric sleep disorders are prevalent and impact child development. This review covers common childhood sleep problems, emphasizing behavioral treatments for better physical, emotional, and cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Neurology
Background:
- Sleep complaints and disorders are frequent in children and adolescents.
- Insufficient sleep negatively affects physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive function, and social development.
- Common pediatric sleep issues include insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, parasomnias, and disorders linked to medical/psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the most common sleep problems in children and adolescents.
- To discuss prevalence, presentation, and symptoms of these disorders.
- To outline evaluation and management strategies for pediatric sleep disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common pediatric sleep disorders.
- Analysis of prevalence, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches.
- Examination of current management strategies, including behavioral and pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Common pediatric sleep disorders identified include insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, and parasomnias.
- Evaluation requires consideration of developmental changes in sleep architecture and requirements.
- Behavioral interventions are recommended as first-line treatment, with caution regarding off-label medication use.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of pediatric sleep disorders necessitates understanding developmental variations.
- Prioritizing behavioral treatments is crucial, especially given the off-label use of many medications in this population.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing sleep problems in children and adolescents.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Nightmares often...
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:27Insomnia
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
01:07Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.