Treating the Sleep Disorders of Childhood: Current Practice in the United Kingdom

Sleep disorders are common in childhood. Their prevalence is especially high in the presence of disability or chronic illness. They cause considerable stress to the children themselves and to their parents. Sleep deprivation leads to daytime behavioral problems and educational difficulties. In assessing sleep problems thorough history taking is essential. In the majority of cases laboratory technology is not needed. Medication plays a part in the treatment of some syndromes. Behavioral management techniques, applied by the parents, can be very successful.