Disorders of development and maturation of sleep

Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are often associated with sleep disturbances. Frequently, children who are neurologically challenged experience chronic sleep-wake problems related to circadian timing of sleep, sleep-related seizures, sleep-related movement disorders, and sleep-related breathing disorders. Traditional therapeutic interventions are often difficult and/or the response is quite variable. Behavioral management, chronotherapy, phototherapy, faded response programs, sedatives, hypnotics, and antidepressants are often unsuccessful in the youngster with a chronic disabling condition of the CNS. Some traditional therapeutic approaches may even exacerbate symptoms or result in only respite for a few days.