Classification and Epidemiology of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disturbances are common in children and adolescents but still remain underrecognized and undertreated. Several classification systems of sleep disorders are available, including some newer attempts to develop more specific nosologic categories that reflect developmental aspects of sleep. The prevalence of sleep disorders has been studied across various samples of healthy, normal children and in children with special medical and neurodevelopmental needs. Sleep disorders are more frequently seen in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders, making it very important for mental health professionals to be aware of sleep problems and to address them in the context of psychiatric comorbidities.