Kotagel and Pianosi restrict their review of the etiology, pathology
and management of sleep disorders to older children and adolescents
(ref1). However, sleep disorder is also a common problem in young children
below the age of 5. In this age group sleep disorder has effects on family
dynamics
Among 1-2 year olds, 20% of children have difficulty settling for
sleep. This figure falls to 16% in 3-year old children and to 12% in 8
year olds (Ref 3). 20% of 2 year olds keep waking up, disturbing their
parents by crying or creeping into the parents' bed.
Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep can grow into a major
issue. The effect on parents' sleep can place children at risk of abuse.
More parents allow the child to sleep in their bed than is reported due to
fear of disapproval from their health professionals. Such "co-sleeping"
can lead to a risk of overlaying and harming or rarely killing a baby.
Health professionals should ask about sleep problems during routine
contact as many parents do not often report problems. Parent education,
support and behavioural intervention often work in most sleep problems in
small children.
Kotagel and Pianosi mention a role for melatonin. It is also of
particular benefit in sleep problems in disabled children and especially
those with autism. (ref 2).
1. Kotagal S, Pianosi P, Sleep Disorders in children and adolescents.
BMJ 2006; 332:828-8329(8 April).
2. Ramstad K. Loge JH, Melatonin in sleep disorders in disabled children.
Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2002 April; 22 (10): 1009-11
3. Carolyn C, Thiedke MD, Sleep disorders and sleep problems in childhood.
American Family Physician. 2001 Jan 15; 63:277-284.
Rapid Response:
Sleep disorders affect young children too.
Kotagel and Pianosi restrict their review of the etiology, pathology
and management of sleep disorders to older children and adolescents
(ref1). However, sleep disorder is also a common problem in young children
below the age of 5. In this age group sleep disorder has effects on family
dynamics
Among 1-2 year olds, 20% of children have difficulty settling for
sleep. This figure falls to 16% in 3-year old children and to 12% in 8
year olds (Ref 3). 20% of 2 year olds keep waking up, disturbing their
parents by crying or creeping into the parents' bed.
Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep can grow into a major
issue. The effect on parents' sleep can place children at risk of abuse.
More parents allow the child to sleep in their bed than is reported due to
fear of disapproval from their health professionals. Such "co-sleeping"
can lead to a risk of overlaying and harming or rarely killing a baby.
Health professionals should ask about sleep problems during routine
contact as many parents do not often report problems. Parent education,
support and behavioural intervention often work in most sleep problems in
small children.
Kotagel and Pianosi mention a role for melatonin. It is also of
particular benefit in sleep problems in disabled children and especially
those with autism. (ref 2).
1. Kotagal S, Pianosi P, Sleep Disorders in children and adolescents.
BMJ 2006; 332:828-8329(8 April).
2. Ramstad K. Loge JH, Melatonin in sleep disorders in disabled children.
Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2002 April; 22 (10): 1009-11
3. Carolyn C, Thiedke MD, Sleep disorders and sleep problems in childhood.
American Family Physician. 2001 Jan 15; 63:277-284.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests