Sleep disorders in children and adolescents†

Abstract

SummaryDisordered sleep has long been recognised as both a consequence of psychiatric illness and a contributory factor to its development. Significant sleep disturbance occurs in about 25% of children and adolescents and 80% or more of children in high-risk groups; it often continues into adulthood. All psychiatrists should therefore be familiar with the principles of sleep medicine and the impact of sleep and its disorders. In this article, the relationship between sleep disorders and the breadth of child and adolescent psychiatry in particular is explored. The classification, aetiology and implications of sleep disorders are discussed, as well as the practicalities of screening, diagnosis and management, with a view to informing readers how accurate diagnosis, prevention and successful treatment of sleep disorders can benefit patients and their families.