Pediatric Sleep: Current Knowledge, Gaps, and Opportunities for the Future.

2023

03/2023

1550-9109

This White Paper addresses the current gaps in knowledge, as well as opportunities for future studies in pediatric sleep. The Sleep Research Society's Pipeline Development Committee assembled a panel of experts tasked to provide information to those interested in learning more about the field of pediatric sleep, including trainees. We cover the scope of pediatric sleep, including epidemiological studies and the development of sleep and circadian rhythms in early childhood and adolescence. Additionally, we discuss current knowledge of insufficient sleep and circadian disruption, addressing the neuropsychological impact (affective functioning) and cardiometabolic consequences. A significant portion of this White Paper explores pediatric sleep disorders (including circadian rhythm disorders, insomnia, restless leg and periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea), as well as sleep and neurodevelopment disorders (e.g., autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Finally, we end with a discussion on sleep and public health policy. Although we have made strides in our knowledge of pediatric sleep, it is imperative that we address the gaps in our knowledge and the pitfalls of our methodologies. For example, more work needs to be done to assess pediatric sleep using objective methodologies (i.e., actigraphy and polysomnography), to explore sleep disparities, to improve accessibility to evidence-based treatments, and to identify potential risks and protective markers of disorders in children. Expanding trainee exposure to pediatric sleep and elucidating future directions for study will significantly improve the future of the field.

10.1093/sleep/zsad060

Sleep

36881684

Bridging the gap: leveraging implementation science to advance pediatric behavioral sleep interventions.

2023

02/2023

1550-9397

STUDY OBJECTIVES: This review synthesizes the pediatric behavioral sleep intervention (BSI) evidence base, summarizes challenges in translating BSIs from research to practice, and provides recommendations for integrating Implementation Science (Imp Sci) methods to advance pediatric BSI research.

METHODS: We briefly review the common behavioral sleep disturbances among youth, discuss the pediatric BSIs with well-established evidence, and identify gaps in pediatric BSI research. We then identify contributors to the dearth of research evaluating pediatric BSIs in accessible settings and present a model for applying Imp Sci strategies to address identified gaps across the continuum of translational research.

RESULTS: Relatively few BSI trials include older children and adolescents. Similarly, there is limited research evaluating BSIs among racially and ethnically minoritized children and families and/or those of lower socioeconomic status backgrounds. Access to scalable and easily disseminable tools to treat pediatric sleep disturbances early in their development is crucial for promoting positive child outcomes. To address these gaps, researchers should apply Imp Sci theories, models, and frameworks to design new interventions for implementation, adapt existing interventions with end-users and settings in mind, conduct hybrid effectiveness-implementation trials, and test implementation strategies.

CONCLUSIONS: Given the prevalence and consequences of poor sleep across developmental periods, pediatric BSIs must be effective as well as adaptable, scalable, and easily disseminable. Imp Sci theories, models, and frameworks can enhance access to, engagement in, and the implementation and dissemination of scalable BSIs across diverse pediatric care settings and heterogeneous populations.

10.5664/jcsm.10476

J Clin Sleep Med

36722616