Pediatric Insomnia

Pediatric insomnia is a common condition that can significantly impact a patient's well-being. It typically involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. The prevalence of insomnia is notably higher among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two commonly recognized subtypes of pediatric insomnia are behavioral insomnia and psychophysiological insomnia. Because clinical symptoms and physical examination findings are often subtle, pediatricians should be familiar with the diagnosis and management of insomnia. Pediatricians should also consider and rule out underlying disorders such as sleep apnea, anxiety, or other medical conditions that may contribute to or mimic insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is currently regarded as the most effective treatment. While melatonin has shown benefits in children with autism or ADHD, additional research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of other pharmacologic options. Timely intervention is crucial, as pediatric insomnia can become chronic and negatively affect mental health and overall quality of life.