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Copyright ©The Author(s) 2022.
World J Clin Pediatr. May 9, 2022; 11(3): 239-252
Published online May 9, 2022. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v11.i3.239
Table 1 Showing majority of sleep disorders can be grouped into 6 main categories
Category
Description
Conditions and causes, some examples
InsomniasInability to fall asleep or stay asleepEnvironmental: Poor sleep hygiene, bedroom noise, bright light. Behavioural insomnia of childhood (sleep onset/limit setting/combined). Psychiatric, trauma and substance misuse: Anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, abuse or neglect, bullying, drug and substance misuse. Medical: Pain (headaches, joint pains), lung problems (asthma, cystic fibrosis), skin (eczema, allergies), neuromuscular, obesity, medication side effects
Sleep related breathing disordersBreathing difficulties during sleepObstructive sleep apnoea. Central sleep apnoea
Central disorders of hypersomnolenceExcessively sleepyNarcolepsy
Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disordersSleep times are out of alignmentDelayed sleep phase syndrome. Jet lag
ParasomniasUnwanted events or experiences that occur at the time of falling asleep, sleeping or waking upDuring NREM sleepConfusional arousals. Sleep terrors. Sleep-walking
During REM sleepNightmares
OthersEnuresis
Sleep related movement disordersUnusual body movements during sleepBruxism. Restless legs syndrome. Periodic limb movement disorder. Rhythmic movement disorder (head banging, body rocking)
Table 2 Showing positive effects and negative consequences
Positive effects of adequate and good quality sleep
Negative consequences of lack of adequate and good quality sleep
Promotes growth. Strengthens immunity. Helps cell growth and body repair. Consolidates memory (https://www.sleepscotland.org/support/gateway-to-good-sleep/why-is-sleep-important/). Promotes learning and cognitive development[69]. Maintains physical health and emotional wellbeingIncreased association with excess weight gain and obesity[69]. Impairs immune function. Affects physical coordination. Affects ability to learn new information and problem solve. Affects mood and emotional regulation and increases risk of mental health problems e.g., mood or anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation
Table 3 Showing National Sleep Foundation’s sleep duration recommendations (https://www.sleepfoundation.org/press-release/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times)
Age of the child
Recommended
May be appropriate
Not recommended
Pre-schoolers (3-5 yr)10-13 h8-14 hLess than 8 h or more than 14 h
School-aged children (6-13 yr)9-11 h7-12 hLess than 7 h or more than 12 h
Teenagers (14-17 yr)8-10 h7-11 hLess than 7 h or more than 11 h
Table 4 Below illustrates some useful resources
Users
Resources
Free access
Website links
Parents and carersCEREBRA-Sleep Advice serviceFree accesshttps://cerebra.org.uk/get-advice-support/sleep-advice-service/
Sleep for better day ahead-leafletFree accesshttps://www.qvh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Sleep-for-a-better-day-ahead-0127.pdf
Sleep hygiene in children and young people: Information for families-leafletFree accesshttps://media.gosh.nhs.uk/documents/Sleep_hygiene_F1851_FINAL_Jun20.pdf
Encouraging good sleep habits in children with learning disabilities-leafletFree accesshttps://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Good-sleep-habits-for-children-with-Learning-Difficulties.pdf
Sleep problems and sleep disorders in school aged childrenFree accesshttps://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-problemsand-sleep-disorders-in-school-aged-children.html
Further useful facts sheets and resources-websiteFree accesshttps://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/fact-sheets.html
Other websitesFree accesshttps://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/healthy-sleep-tips-for-children/; https://www.sleepscotland.org/
AdolescentsHow to sleep well and stay healthy-A guide for teenagers. This is an interactive guide with animations, sounds and external links to useful educational video clipsFree accesshttps://books.apple.com/gb/book/how-to-sleep-well-and-stay-healthy-a-guide-for-teenagers/id1397176909
Sleep tips for teenagersFree accesshttps://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/sleep-tips-for-teenagers/
ChildrenSleep poster: Interactive pdf for children and parents/carersFree accesshttps://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/docs/default-source/Luton---NDD-Webpages/Sleep/sleep-poster76ddec06f4f66239b188ff0000d24525.pdf?sfvrsn=2
I see the animals sleeping: A bedtime story-an appFree on Google play, App store and Kindle storehttp://school.sleepeducation.com/childrensapps.aspx
The animal sleep: A bedtime book for biomes-an appFree on Google play, App store and Kindle storehttp://school.sleepeducation.com/childrensapps.aspx; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLQ3bkn8Gu8
Table 5 Showing drugs used to treat insomnia[17]
Pharmaceutical
Class
Mechanism of action
Half life (h)
Site of metabolism
Peak concentration
Interactions
Effect on sleep
DiphenhydramineAntihistamineH1 agonist. Crosses blood-brain barrier4-6HepaticFast absorption. Fast onset of action. Peak at 2-4 hCNS depressantsReduces latency. May decrease quality
HydroxyzineAntihistamineH1 agonist. Crosses blood-brain barrier6-24HepaticFast absorption. Fast onset of action. Peak at 2-4 hCNS depressantsReduces latency. May decrease quality
MelatoninNeuro-hormoneHypnotic90% excreted in 4Hepatic30-60 minUnknownReduces latency. Maximum circadian effect
ClonazepamBenzodiazepineCentral GABA receptors30-40CYP 450 3A oxidation60-240 minFluoxetineSuppresses slow-wave sleep. Reduces arousal
FlurazepamBenzodiazepineCentral GABA receptors2-100CYP 450 3A oxidation30 min to 13 hFluoxetineSuppresses slow-wave sleep. Reduces arousal
ZolpidemZ-drugBenzodiazepine-like2.5-3CYP 450 3A oxidation90 minReduces latency. Weak effect on sleep architecture
ClonidineAlpha agonistInhibits noradrenaline release6-2450%-80% in urineFast absorption 100% bioavailability. Onset of action: 1 h. Peak effect: 2-4 hReduce REM. Reduces slow-wave sleep