European expert guidance on management of sleep onset insomnia and melatonin use in typically developing children

• DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05556-w
• Publication Date: 2024-04-16T15:45:14Z
• Authors: Oliviero Bruni; Maria Breda; Lino Nobili; Ingo Fietze; Oscar Ramon Sans ...; Claude Gronfier
• Keywords: Bedtime; Sleep hygiene; Sleep; Sleep medicine

Sleeping problems are prevalent among children and adolescents, often leading to frequent consultations with pediatricians. While cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness, especially in the short term, there is a lack of globally endorsed guidelines for use pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter remedies managing sleep onset insomnia. An expert panel pediatric specialists chronobiologists met October 2023 develop practical recommendations pediatricians on management insomnia typically developing children. When present otherwise healthy children, should follow stepwise approach. Practical hygiene indications adaptive bedtime routine, followed by behavioral therapies, must be first step. these measures not effective, low-dose melatonin, administered 30-60 min before bedtime, might helpful over 2 years old. Melatonin monitored evaluate efficacy as well presence adverse effects. Conclusion: Low-dose melatonin useful strategy who have improved responded insufficiently interventions.