Childhood insomnia due to incorrect habits
Sleep disorders in children
Definition
Childhood insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects between 20%-30% of the preschool population (similar data in different studies, even across different cultures), and is characterized by difficulty falling asleep independently and/or frequent nighttime awakenings with an inability to fall back asleep without external help (Sleep Onset Association Disorder).
It also occurs in the form of the child’s resistance to going to bed at night at the stipulated time (Limit Setting Disorder) or a combination of both.
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of childhood insomnia requires a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed review of the child’s medical and sleep history, as well as a psychological and behavioral assessment.
It is important to analyze the factors contributing to insomnia, including predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors, and to conduct a functional analysis of the situation to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Additionally, other medical and psychiatric conditions that may be affecting the child’s sleep should be ruled out. Diagnosis may require the participation of an interdisciplinary team that includes a pediatrician, a sleep specialist, a psychologist, and an occupational therapist.
During a one-hour visit, the cause of the problem is explained to the parents and the behaviors to be followed in order to solve this situation are provided. If parents execute these prescribed rules well, in less than a week the problem will be solved. No existen consecuencias negativas en los niños.
No se precisan pruebas de sueño.
We recommend not to follow the opinions expressed in social networks. Always consult your pediatrician.
Treatments
These guidelines are those recommended by the American Academy of Sleep and the American Pediatric Society.
The treatment of childhood insomnia depends on its cause, and to address childhood insomnia due to incorrect habits, behavioral interventions based on the principles of behavioral psychology are used. Treatments may vary depending on the age of the children, but in general, behavioral guidelines are taught to parents to apply to younger children, while in older children, the child’s direct collaboration is required and positive reinforcement and distraction techniques.
It is essential to make an adequate diagnosis before starting any therapeutic strategy.