Insomnia Disorder in Children

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Not established diagnostic prevalence; insomnia estimates ~20–31% in children, often symptom-based
Is it more common among children? Pediatric sleep problems common; developmental causes important
Are children at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among children? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Bedtime resistance, night waking, dependency on caregiver, behavioural sleep patterns; developmental sleep needs differ
What commonly occurs alongside it? ADHD; anxiety; neurodevelopmental conditions
What can it be confused with? Behavioural insomnia; sleep apnea; RLS; circadian issues
Common screening tool Pediatric ISI / PISI — Pediatric Insomnia Severity Index
Separate screening tool for children PISI — Pediatric Insomnia Severity Index
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