Sleep-Related Drug Therapy in Special Conditions: Children

Abstract

Pharmacologic treatment of the most common pediatric sleep disorders lacks evidence, and alternative methods, which have been proved to alleviate the symptoms, are preferred in most cases. The implementation of specific guidelines is of great importance because sleep disorders in children are not rare and they can negatively affect children's development and their cognitive and social skills. This article summarizes the current therapeutic management of sleep disorders in children, bearing in mind the absence of evidence-based guidelines on this topic.

Keywords: Pediatric insomnia; Pediatric narcolepsy; Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea; Pediatric parasomnias; Pediatric restless legs syndrome.