Pediatric Insomnia

Chest. 2016 May;149(5):1332-9. doi: 10.1378/chest.15-0605. Epub 2016 Jan 12.

Abstract

Insomnia in children is complex and frequently multifactorial. This review discusses the major categories of insomnia as well as common causes. The consequences of insomnia, including issues with mood, behavior, and cognition, are discussed. Sleep disorders are much more prevalent in certain pediatric populations, such as children with autism spectrum disorders. The evaluation of insomnia in children includes a focused history and examination and occasionally actigraphy or polysomnography. Behavioral and pharmacological therapies are discussed, as are future directions for research and clinical practice.

Keywords: actigraphy; cognitive behavioral therapy; melatonin; obstructive sleep apnea.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actigraphy
  • Adolescent
  • Amines / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / epidemiology
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Comorbidity
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Gabapentin
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / therapeutic use
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / epidemiology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / epidemiology
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / psychology
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Amines
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin
  • Melatonin