Practical Psychopharmacology of Pediatric Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are highly prevalent among children/adolescents. Given their marked impact, it is critical for health care professionals to be aware of sleep problems and to address them in the context of child development. Despite their high prevalence, there is very limited research on the effectiveness and safety of pharmacologic agents for pediatric sleep disorders. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications in the USA to treat youth with insomnia and most other sleep disorders. This chapter reviews the evidence for the psychopharmacological treatment of pediatric sleep disturbances, describes relevant safety concerns, and provides clinicians with a pros and cons framework for utilizing specific medications.