Behavioral Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Sleep problems in children and adolescents are common, with an estimated prevalence of 25-40%. If left untreated, sleep problems can have a significant impact on the cognitive, social, and emotional functioning of children and adolescents. In general, behavioral sleep disorders present with at least one of the following complaints: bedtime problems, difficulties falling asleep, frequent and/or prolonged night wakings, or excessive daytime sleepiness. Despite these common symptoms, the causes, diagnoses, and treatments for behavioral sleep disorders vary depending on the nature of the disorder and the child's age. Furthermore, behavioral sleep issues are frequently experienced by children and adolescents with common psychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and mood/anxiety disorders.