According to the research, pediatrics insomnia impacts up to a third of typically-developing, healthy children, and over 80% of children with neurodevelopmental disorders or chronic medical conditions (1). Even if a child has a medical condition affecting sleep (secondary insomnia), behavioral correction can improve the situation. Suitable sleep schedule, sleep hygiene, and relaxing bedtime routine that meet the child’s needs are beneficial, even when the child is ill or neurodiverse.
CBT is also used for self-soothing training. I stand for gentle methods of minor gradual changes that are helpful when crying-out sleep training methods are undesirable due to the child’s diagnosis, temperament, or parental preferences.
In the case of secondary (medical) insomnia, it is crucial to have realistic expectations and to consult a doctor.
- Meltzer, L. J. et al. (2015, June) Seeing the Whole Elephant: a scoping review of behavioral treatments for pediatric insomnia. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, 22, 2, 113−125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101 410