Treatment strategies for complex behavioral insomnia in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract

Children and adolescents with neurological disorders frequently have complex sleep disorders that require treatment. Understanding the basic pathology and treatment strategies provides an opportunity to improve well being and quality of life in those affected by NDD and their families.

Practitioner Review: Treatment of chronic insomnia in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities

“…temperament, age), parental, and environmental factors and on the underlying disease. Clearly, the involvement of parents as agents for changing problematic sleep behaviors is fundamental; cognitive‐behavioral techniques involving parents have been shown to be effective in improving significantly quality of life and well‐being of patients and caregivers (Grigg‐Damberger & Ralls, ; Jan et al., ). Training group of parents in behavioral approaches to manage sleep problems represents a novel behavioral approach: Stuttard et al.…”

“…Clearly, the involvement of parents as agents for changing problematic sleep behaviors is fundamental; cognitive-behavioral techniques involving parents have been shown to be effective in improving significantly quality of life and well-being of patients and caregivers (Grigg-Damberger & Ralls, 2013;Jan et al, 2008). Training group of parents in behavioral approaches to manage sleep problems represents a novel behavioral approach: Stuttard et al (Stuttard, Beresford, Clarke, Beecham, & Curtis, 2015) reported the findings from a preliminary evaluation of a group-delivered intervention routinely delivered by a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Learning Disability team in England: parents (n = 23) of children with intellectual disabilities were recruited and the follow-up was of 6 months.…”

Modified Children's sleep habits questionnaire for behavioral sleep problems: A validation study

“…(4)) Among children with neurodevelopmental disorders, prevalence is even higher, up to 80%. (5, 6) BSPs impede development of executive function,(7) and may increase later need for special education. However, healthy sleep practices (e.g.…”

Melatonin for sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

“…obstructive sleep apnoea, periodic limb movements) should be identified and referral considered where necessary 10,11…”

“…Sleep problems such as reduced total sleep duration (TSD), longer SOL, nocturnal awakenings (which may last 2–3 hours) and early morning awakenings are common in children with autism spectrum disorder, with prevalences reported between 30–86% 9,11,24. Children with autism spectrum disorder often have abnormal melatonin levels (especially at night) and an abnormal circadian rhythm, and some have genetic abnormalities in melatonin production or melatonin receptor function 9,24.…”