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Sleep disorders during childhood: a practical review

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Abstract

Sleep disorders are a common problem during childhood. The consequences are variable, and sleep disorders can influence medical, psychological and developmental aspects of the growing child. It is important to recognize sleep disorders and to treat them correctly. We discuss common sleep disorders during childhood using the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. We analyze the different sleep disorders from a clinical approach and provide an overview of adequate treatment options.

Conlusion: This review discusses common sleep disorders during childhood using the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. We analyze the different sleep disorders from a clinical approach and provide an overview of adequate treatment options.

What is known:

• Sleep disorders are a common problem during childhood.

• The consequences are variable, and sleep disorders can influence medical, psychological, and developmental aspects of the growing child.

What is new:

• Pediatricians should routinely screen for sleep and sleep disorders.

• It is important to recognize sleep disorders and to treat them correctly.

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Abbreviations

DSWPD:

delayed sleep wake phase disorder

EEG:

electroencephalographic

ICSD:

international classification of sleep disorders

MSLT:

multiple sleep latency test

NREM:

non-rapid-eye movements

OSA:

obstructive sleep apnea

PLMD:

periodic limb movement disorder

REM:

rapid-eye movements

RLS:

restless leg syndrome

SOREMP:

sleep-onset rapid eye movement period

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Author information

Author notes

  1. D. Ophoff and M. A. Slaats contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium

    D. Ophoff, M. A. Slaats, K. Van Hoorenbeeck & S. L. Verhulst

  2. Lab of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium

    M. A. Slaats, K. Van Hoorenbeeck & S. L. Verhulst

  3. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium

    A. Boudewyns

  4. Department of Youth Mental Health, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

    I. Glazemakers

Authors
  1. D. Ophoff
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  2. M. A. Slaats
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  3. A. Boudewyns
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  4. I. Glazemakers
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  5. K. Van Hoorenbeeck
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  6. S. L. Verhulst
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Contributions

Concept of the manuscript: D.O., M.S. and S.V.; Acquisition of data: D.O., M.S. and S.V.; Drafting of the manuscript: D.O., M.S. and S.V.; Critical revision of the manuscript: A.B., I.G. and K.V.H.; Final manuscript: all authors.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. L. Verhulst.

Additional information

Communicated by Mario Bianchetti

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Ophoff, D., Slaats, M.A., Boudewyns, A. et al. Sleep disorders during childhood: a practical review. Eur J Pediatr 177, 641–648 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-018-3116-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-018-3116-z

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