Treatment strategies for complex behavioral insomnia in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the benefits of melatonin in treating sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
Results Summary
The study found that melatonin, alongside behavioral therapies, is beneficial for treating sleep problems in children with NDDs, particularly in complex and chronic cases. It highlighted the prevalence of sleep issues in specific neurodevelopmental syndromes like Rett, Angelman, Williams, and Smith-Magenis.
Population
Children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and specific syndromes (Rett, Angelman, Williams, and Smith-Magenis).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
behavioral therapies | decrease | sleep problems | children with NDD | - | review the benefits | #1 |
melatonin | decrease | sleep problems | children with NDD | - | review the benefits | #2 |
treatment | increase | well being | those affected by NDD and their families | - | provides an opportunity to improve | #3 |
treatment | increase | quality of life | those affected by NDD and their families | - | provides an opportunity to improve | #4 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes recent research in pediatric behavioral insomnias in neurodevelopmental disorders and their treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is typically complex, chronic, and difficult to adequately control. Abnormalities in genetic and/or epigenetic regulation of sleep/wakefulness and its timing predispose patients with NDD to insomnia, although poor sleep hygiene, maladaptive associations, and limit-setting are likely to contribute. Parents are agents for change in problematic sleep behaviors in patients with NDD. We review the benefits of behavioral therapies and melatonin to treat sleep problems in children with NDD. Problematic sleep is so prevalent in some neurodevelopmental syndromes (Rett, Angelman, Williams, and Smith-Magenis) that it is part of their diagnostic criteria. SUMMARY: 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.