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Cited by 215Sleep and related disordersPharmaceutical studies and practicesCircadian rhythm and melatonin

Medication use in the treatment of pediatric insomnia: results of a survey of community-based pediatricians

Owens, Judith A., Rosen, Carol L., Mindell, Jodi A.·2003·PEDIATRICS
DOI 10.1542/peds.111.5.e628
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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine clinical practice patterns, beliefs, and attitudes regarding the use of both nonprescription and prescription medications by community-based pediatricians for children with significant difficulties in initiating and/or maintaining sleep. METHODS: A survey was mailed to 3424 American Academy of Pediatrics members in 6 US cities. RESULTS: The final sample (n = 671) consisted of practitioners who identified themselves as primary care pediatricians. Three percent +/- 7% of visits in the respondents' practices were for pediatric insomnia, although there was a wide range in the numbers of children identified during a typical 6-month practice period. More than 75% of practitioners had recommended nonprescription medications, and >50% had prescribed a sleep medication. Specific clinical circumstances in which medications were most commonly used were acute pain and travel, followed by children with special needs (mental retardation, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Antihistamines were the most commonly reported nonprescription medications for sleep. Melatonin or herbal remedies had been recommended by approximately 15% of the respondents. alpha-agonists were the most frequently prescribed sleep medications (31%). The likelihood of prescribing medication for sleep was 2- to 4-fold greater in respondents who treated children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder for daytime behavioral problems or nocturnal sleep problems, respectively. Practitioners expressed a range of concerns about sleep medication appropriateness, safety, tolerance, and side effects in children. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of prescribing or recommending sedatives and hypnotics for pediatric insomnia is common among community-based pediatricians, especially among special needs patients. An empirically based approach to the use of these medications is needed.

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Authors
Owens, J. A., Rosen, C. L., & Mindell, J. A.
Affiliations
  • Brown University (US)
  • Case Western Reserve University (US)
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (US)
ORCID
Venue
PEDIATRICS
Publisher
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Published
2003-05-01
Volume
111
Issue
5
Pages
e628-e635
ISSN
  • 0031-4005 (ISSN-L)
  • 1098-4275
DOI
10.1542/peds.111.5.e628
OpenAlex
W2169464995
Cited by
214
References
39
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 7
FWCI
12.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • PEDIATRICS (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Sanofi
  • National Institutes of Health
  • U.S. Public Health Service (04426)
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (HL 03896)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Pharmaceutical studies and practices
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
Keywords
pediatric insomnia, sleep medication, hypnotics, sedatives, antihistamines, melatonin, herbal medicine, alpha-adrenergic agonists, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, children with special needs, prescribing patterns, primary care pediatricians
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Child, Child, Preschool, Community Health Services, Female, Humans, Hypnotics and Sedatives, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Male, Middle Aged, Practice Patterns, Physicians', Surveys and Questionnaires, United States

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