Kids need ''more bed''
27/07/2010
More time in bed is needed for children in mental health treatment, a new scientific study has found.
The study from the Hasbro Children''s Hospital found that insomnia is a major problem for these children and can be linked to a range to behavioural problems.
Many of the children studied receive medication for their sleep problems, including antihistamines and sedating drugs for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Professor Judith Owens, who led the research, commented: "The most important rationale for the use of sleep medication among child psychiatrists is to manage the effects of sleep disruption on daytime functioning."
She added that concerns about side effects and the lack of evidence regarding their effectiveness were cited as significant barriers to their use.
The researchers recommend clinical trials to establish how safe and effective these medications are for children.
They highlighted that other techniques can be effective in dealing with childhood insomnia, such as relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Insomnia is often mistaken for sleepiness, according to Associated Sleep Services fatigue management specialist Carolyn Schur.
She told the Vancouver Sun that many doctors deal with the two problems as if they were "one entity".
Posted Elizabeth Mewes
