Sleep-Related Problems and Pediatric Anxiety Disorders
Katherine Crowe1, Carolyn Spiro-Levitt2
1Home for Anxiety, Repetitive Behaviors, OCD, and Related Disorders (HARBOR), 1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1506, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|November 23, 2020
Summary
Sleep problems frequently affect children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. This review examines the link between sleep issues and youth anxiety, developmental influences, and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Sleep-related problems are common in youth anxiety disorders.
- Understanding this association is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on sleep problems and youth anxiety.
- To explore developmental factors influencing this relationship.
- To summarize interventions for comorbid sleep and anxiety issues.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of clinical research.
- Analysis of studies focusing on sleep and anxiety in youth.
- Examination of developmental considerations and treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Significant association identified between sleep disturbances and anxiety in children and adolescents.
- Developmental factors play a role in the sleep-anxiety link.
- Various interventions show promise for comorbid conditions.
Conclusions:
- Sleep problems are a key feature of childhood and adolescent anxiety.
- Addressing sleep issues is vital for managing youth anxiety.
- Further research is needed to refine interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
281
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...
Nightmares...
281
01:18Anxiety: Overview
697
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
697
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
245
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
245
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
2.4K
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:
2.4K
01:27Insomnia
270
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...
270
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
126
Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
126