Overview of Sleep and Sleep Disorders in Infancy and Childhood

Pediatric Annals
|April 18, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric sleep is crucial for child development and health. This review covers common childhood sleep disorders and management strategies for pediatricians.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Development and Health

Background:

  • Sleep is a vital, dynamic process in children, impacting health and development.
  • Sleep problems in children are common but can be difficult to identify.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review fundamental aspects of pediatric sleep from infancy to adolescence.
  • To discuss common sleep disorders in general pediatric practice.
  • To provide evidence-based management recommendations and referral criteria.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pediatric sleep.
  • Synthesis of information on common sleep disorders.
  • Discussion of management strategies and specialist referral.

Main Results:

  • Identifies key sleep aspects across childhood stages.
  • Details prevalent pediatric sleep disorders.
  • Outlines current management approaches and referral guidelines.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding pediatric sleep is essential for early identification and intervention.
  • Pediatricians can manage many common sleep issues with evidence-based strategies.
  • Referral to sleep specialists is indicated for complex or persistent disorders.

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