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Current and Emerging Therapies for Pediatric Sleep Disorders: A Narrative Review
Lilliana Estrada Chaverri1, Lourdes M DelRosso2, Fernando Alberto Ceballos Fuentes3
1SLEEPMED, Medical Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders, San José, Costa Rica.
Neurology and Therapy
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Pediatric sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia require tailored treatments. Management integrates behavioral, pharmacological, and interventional therapies for improved child neurodevelopment and health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric sleep medicine
- Child neurology
- Public health
Background:
- Sleep disorders in children pose significant public health challenges.
- Key conditions include pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep-related movement disorders.
- These disorders impact neurodevelopment, behavior, and overall child health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutic strategies for common pediatric sleep disorders.
- To highlight the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary management approaches.
- To discuss emerging treatments and the role of precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current management guidelines and therapeutic options.
- Synthesis of evidence for behavioral, pharmacological, and interventional treatments.
- Discussion of emerging technologies and personalized medicine in pediatric sleep.
Main Results:
- Pediatric OSA management is multimodal, with surgery and adjunctive therapies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and melatonin are key for pediatric insomnia.
- Narcolepsy and sleep-related movement disorders require specific behavioral and pharmacological interventions, often including iron supplementation for the latter.
Conclusions:
- Effective treatment of pediatric sleep disorders necessitates an individualized, multidisciplinary approach.
- Integrating behavioral, pharmacologic, and interventional strategies is crucial.
- Early recognition and tailored management, supported by advances in precision medicine, are vital for optimal long-term outcomes.
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