Sleeping Beauties: Pediatric Sleep Disturbances and Their Management-View Presentation Slides

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The document, presented by Jess P. Shatkin, MD, MPH, at the 2024 American Psychiatric Association meeting, focuses on pediatric sleep disturbances and their management. It outlines learning objectives aimed at recognizing common pediatric sleep concerns and comorbidities, understanding epidemiological factors, collecting pediatric sleep histories, and identifying appropriate behavioral and medication treatments for insomnia in children and young adults.<br /><br />A significant portion of the document highlights the prevalence of sleep disorders in children, noting that up to 25% of children experience some form of sleep issue. Various types of sleep disturbances are discussed, including insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, parasomnias, and enuresis, with statistical data provided on their prevalence among different age groups.<br /><br />The document also explores sleep problems associated with psychiatric conditions, noting that sleep disorders are more common among children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and major depressive disorder. The impact of these sleep disturbances is further compounded by comorbid psychiatric disorders in adults.<br /><br />Management strategies for sleep disturbances are divided into behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy. Behavioral interventions recommended include sleep education, sleep training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The document stresses the importance of non-pharmacological approaches but acknowledges that medications, such as melatonin and clonidine, are often used to treat insomnia in pediatric populations despite limited FDA-approved options for children.<br /><br />Overall, the document emphasizes the need for comprehensive sleep evaluations, including sleep diaries and collateral history from parents and teachers, to better understand and address pediatric sleep disorders. It concludes by suggesting the implementation of educational and behavioral strategies as priority approaches in managing these conditions.

Keywords

pediatric sleep disturbances

insomnia in children

behavioral interventions

pharmacotherapy

sleep disorders prevalence

psychiatric comorbidities

sleep education

cognitive-behavioral therapy

melatonin

comprehensive sleep evaluations