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[Pharmacological treatment of insomnia in children with neurological disorders]
E Estivill1, V de la Fuente, A Barraquer
1Unitat d'Alteracions del Son, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, España. estivill@ctv.es
Insights
Pediatric insomnia in children with neurological disorders is common and undertreated. This review suggests treatment guidelines and lists potential drug-induced sleep disturbances for better management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Sleep Medicine
Context:
- Insomnia is a prevalent and serious issue in children with neurological disorders.
- Limited research and treatment guidelines exist for this specific population.
- Sleep disturbances are often linked to co-occurring conditions like intellectual disability and seizures.
Purpose:
- To review current treatment options for insomnia in children with neurological disorders.
- To propose guidelines for managing sleep problems in this vulnerable group.
- To identify drug-induced sleep disturbances relevant to pediatric neurological patients.
Summary:
- The study reviews existing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for pediatric insomnia.
- It offers suggested guidelines for healthcare providers to manage insomnia in children with neurological conditions.
- A list of medications known to cause sleep-related side effects is provided.
Impact:
- Aims to improve the clinical management of insomnia in children with neurological disorders.
- Provides evidence-based recommendations to guide treatment decisions.
- Enhances understanding of drug-induced sleep issues in pediatric neurology.
Introduction:
Insomnia is usual, and a serious problem in children with neurological disorders. Few studies have been made of this and above all there are no guide lines or suggestions as to how to treat these problems. The difficulty is made worse by the different characteristics of the insomnia and of the affected children themselves. Poor sleeping is associated with other pathology of the patient (mental retardation, convulsions, etc.).
Development:
We have revised the different modes of treatment, particularly pharmacological, which are available today. Guidelines as to how to handle this symptom are suggested. We also include a list of some drug reactions which may cause symptoms related to sleep (insomnia, excessive sleepiness or nightmares).