Sleep is an eye-opener: Behavioral causes and consequences of hypersomnolence in children

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 10, 2026

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling
03:46

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Published on: October 11, 2018

11.1K

Jocelyn H Thomas1, Darcy E Burgers2

  • 1Sleep Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|December 18, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Insufficient sleep is the main behavioral cause of hypersomnia in children. Addressing sleep hygiene and other behavioral factors can improve children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Behavioral Pediatrics
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Insufficient sleep is the primary behavioral driver of hypersomnia in children aged six months to 12 years.
  • Common contributing factors include poor sleep hygiene, bedtime resistance, and sleep disturbances like nightmares.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the most common behavioral causes of hypersomnia in children.
  • To highlight the impact of insufficient sleep on child development and families.
  • To outline effective diagnostic and intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical interviews to assess sleep behaviors.
  • Sleep diaries for detailed sleep pattern tracking.
  • Actigraphy to objectively measure sleep and wakefulness.

Main Results:

  • Insufficient sleep is the most frequent behavioral cause of hypersomnia in pediatric populations.
  • Inadequate sleep hygiene, bedtime issues, and sleep-related fears are key contributors.
  • Behavioral interventions demonstrate efficacy when tailored to individual child and family needs.

Conclusions:

  • Behavioral interventions are effective for treating hypersomnia caused by insufficient sleep in children.
  • Early identification through clinical assessment and objective measures is crucial.
  • Addressing insufficient sleep positively impacts academic, cognitive, and psychosocial development.

Keywords:
Behavioral interventionsChildrenHypersomnolenceSleep

More Related Videos

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD10:02

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD

Published on: March 12, 2020

16.9K
Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System05:59

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System

Published on: October 20, 2023

3.3K

Related Concept Videos

Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

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.
682
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.2K
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
747
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-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:
3.1K
Insomnia01:27

Insomnia

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...
563
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking01:17

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.2K