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VOLUME 11 , ISSUE 1--4 ( January-December, 2025 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Assessing Childhood Sleep Disorders: A Narrative Review

Akshara Binod Nair, Suresh Panchanathan, Reddy Prasad, Chandrasekaran Murali Manokar

Keywords : Parasomnias, Sleep behavioral disorders, Sleep disorders, Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children score

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10045-00339

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 28-02-2025

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim and background: Sleep is fundamental to human biology, and its disruption can adversely affect physical, mental, and cognitive health. Diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in children, particularly in infancy and early childhood, presents significant challenges. Children require 16–18 hours of sleep during their first year, decreasing to about 10 hours by adolescence. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) was developed to standardize the evaluation of sleep disturbances, covering six major categories: hyperhidrosis, sleep-breathing disorders, disorders of arousal, excessive somnolence, sleep-wake transition disorders, and difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS). Despite extensive research, a comprehensive understanding of the spectrum and prevalence of pediatric sleep disorders remains limited, highlighting a crucial need for further study. Methodology: A systematic review of literature on pediatric sleep disorders was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Articles were screened based on titles and abstracts, with 41 studies initially identified; 13 were excluded due to inaccessible full texts. The final analysis included 28 studies relevant to the review objectives. Results: The review underscores the significant role of the SDSC in the diagnosis of pediatric sleep disorders. It highlights the utility of various assessment methods, including sleep questionnaires, diaries, and polysomnography, in evaluating sleep patterns from infancy through adolescence. The findings also reveal that management strategies generally encompass behavioral interventions, parental education, and, when warranted, pharmacological treatments. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of early detection and personalized interventions to enhance sleep quality and overall health outcomes in children. Conclusion: This review accentuates the importance of ongoing research to elucidate the long-term effects of sleep disorders in children and to refine management strategies. The findings advocate for continued exploration into the evolution of sleep patterns and the optimization of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve sleep health in the pediatric population. Clinical significance: Accurate assessment and management of sleep disorders in children are crucial due to the profound impact of sleep on physical, mental, and cognitive development. Utilizing validated tools like the SDSC, along with methods such as sleep questionnaires, diaries, and polysomnography, is essential for precise diagnosis and evaluation. Early detection allows for the implementation of individualized management strategies, including behavioral approaches, parental guidance, and, if necessary, pharmacological treatments. Addressing sleep issues promptly is vital for enhancing sleep quality and reducing the risk of long-term negative health outcomes, thereby supporting better developmental and functional outcomes in children.

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