Sleep disorders in pediatric practice, part 1: basic introduction and diagnostics,insomnia, restless legs syndrome and delayed sleep phase disorder
Abstract
Up to 20-30% of children and adolescents experience sleep problems. As sleep disorders can lead to negative health consequences, this area deserves special interest of pediatricians.
Regular screening is neccessary, especially in children with diseases which are connected with high prevalence of sleep problems. The implementation of good sleep hygiene practices plays an important role, especially in infants and school children.
Insufficient or fragmented sleep results in cognitive impairment, emotional and behavioral problems. Insomnia represents major problem due to chronic sleep deprivation, mainly in infants and toddlers, as well as delayed sleep phase syndrome in adolescents.
Difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep can be caused by restless legs syndrome which resembles attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Diagnostic tools are detailed history, sleep diary, actigraphy and nocturnal polysomnography.