Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2025

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

10.3K

Common Childhood Sleep Problems and Disorders

Theresa Ngan Ho Leung1,2, Kin Lok Wong2, Anthony Kam Chuen Chan1,3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Current Pediatric Reviews
|August 31, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Common sleep problems in children are prevalent, affecting well-being. Early identification and intervention through regular health visits are crucial for preventing long-term issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child and Adolescent Health
  • Primary Care Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sleep insufficiency and disturbances significantly impact children's physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
  • Prevalence of sleep problems in children ranges from 15-70%, as reported by parents.
  • Sleep habits and duration exhibit wide variations influenced by cultural backgrounds.

Approach:

  • A narrative review of English literature from January 2000 to October 2021 was conducted.
  • Searches were performed on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords related to sleep problems/disorders in children and adolescents.
  • Relevant findings and cross-references from selected articles were compiled.

Key Points:

  • Common pediatric sleep complaints include difficulty initiating/maintaining sleep, abnormal behaviors/movements, snoring, abnormal breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • Initial evaluation involves a comprehensive sleep history and sleep diary; home video and actigraphy can serve as preliminary tools.
  • Referral to a sleep specialist is indicated for suspected disorders like obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy, requiring timely intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Screening for sleep problems should be a routine component of pediatric healthcare visits.
  • Evaluating the impact of sleep issues and identifying specific disorders allows for early intervention.
  • Timely intervention for pediatric sleep disorders is essential to prevent adverse long-term outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Sleep hygieneadolescentchildhypersomniainsomniaparasomniasleep apneasleep disorder

More Related Videos

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

5.4K
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

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares 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...
154
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:
1.5K
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.
181
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...
120
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...
283
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM 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...
358