Sleep in children with anxiety disorders

INTRODUCTION As is evident from the current volume, a growing body of research indicates that emotional and behavioral problems and sleep disturbance commonly co-occur in children with different forms of psychopathology (1-7). As a result, there is now compelling evidence for linkages between the regulation of sleep, emotion, attention, and behavior in children. To date however, research examining sleep in youth with psychiatric disorders has primarily focused on children and adolescents with depression (e.g., 8-11), and more recently, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (12). Meanwhile, a recent series of studies demonstrate robust associations between early and chronic sleep disruption and anxiety. The current chapter is aimed at providing an overview of the existing research on sleep and anxiety during childhood including the potential role of specific mechanisms and developmental factors implicated in the etiology of these problems. Suggestions for clinical practice and research also are provided. When relevant, findings from the adult literature also will be discussed.