Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 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

10.2K

Behavioural sleep problems in children

Chun Yi Ting1, Biju Thomas2

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

Singapore Medical Journal
|January 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Common childhood sleep problems, like behavioral insomnia and parasomnias, require early identification and management. Effective strategies include bedtime routines, behavioral techniques, and parental reassurance to improve child and family well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Behavioral sleep problems are prevalent in children, causing parental concern.
  • Understanding normal sleep physiology and development is crucial for addressing these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review normal sleep physiology and development in children.
  • To focus on the clinical features and management of common behavioral sleep problems in childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of behavioral sleep problems in childhood.
  • Discussion of clinical features and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Behavioral insomnia of childhood involves learned sleep-onset or sleep-maintenance difficulties, managed with routines and behavioral techniques.
  • Parasomnias (confusional arousals, sleepwalking, sleep terrors, nightmares) typically resolve with time, managed via reassurance and interventions like scheduled awakening.
  • Sleep enuresis management includes behavioral changes, alarms, and desmopressin.
  • Sleep-related movement disorders include bruxism and rhythmic movements (e.g., body rocking).

Conclusions:

  • Early identification and management of behavioral sleep problems are essential.
  • Effective interventions can mitigate negative impacts on children and families.
  • A comprehensive approach addressing specific sleep disorders is recommended.

More Related Videos

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

12.0K
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

Related Concept Videos

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...
323
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...
146
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
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...
256
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
111
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...
299