Treatment of Pediatric Sleep Disorders

Abstract

Sleep problems are common in childhood and are associated significant morbidities negatively impacting the patient and family and thus necessitating early intervention and treatment. This chapter is focused on management addressing the etiology and predisposing and precipitating factors of sleep disorders spanning from infancy to childhood and adolescence. Current recommendations for safe infant sleep, promotion of sleep hygiene strategies in childhood, and treatment options of representative pediatric sleep disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing, insomnia, sleep-related movement disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, and hypersomnia are reviewed. Additionally, management of sleep disorders unique to medical disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Down syndrome, and autism also are addressed.