Childhood Insomnia Journal Summary

Insomnia is defined as the inability to obtain sufficient sleep, especially when chronic. Difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep often require further attention. “No Simple Solution To Childhood Insomnia”, by Aaron Levin (2005) describes several symptoms and side effects of this horrific problem. For many years, beginning as a teenager, I had a terrible problem with “chronic insomnia”, as my doctors diagnosed it. Stress and depression were the two main factors that affected my sleep pattern. Research has focused on links between insomnia and depression/anxiety. Childhood insomnia disturbs the sleep and function of the whole family. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, “insomnia is a symptom and not a diagnosis.” Childhood sleep disturbances tend to accompany psychiatric disorders. About 75% of children and adolescents, who suffer major depression, also suffer moderate insomnia. Behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and aggressiveness may surface, in addition to neurocognitive deficits affecting attention, memory, and verbal creativity (Levin, 2005).

There are several treatments for childhood insomnia, but of course, all treatments have flaws. Some medications are prescribed to treat insomnia, but have rebound effects, which increase irritability, and insomnia after the medication wears off. There are no FDA approved medications for children who suffer from insomnia. Many physicians do not have sufficient time or expertise dealing with behavioral strategies. Medications are often prescribed to be used in time of crisis. Medications tend to have aversive side effects such as hangover, withdrawal, and daytime drowsiness. Clinicians must not ignore or delay diagnosis of childhood sleep disorders. Parents, along with their children’s physicians, should research and consider behavioral interventions.

The following is my analysis of the journal article using the breakdown of Bloom’s Taxonomy and my critical thinking skills:

Knowledge:

The basic underlying fact is insomnia is not a disorder, but a symptom. My knowledge of this sleep disturbance connects it directly to anxiety, chronic depression, and stress. As stated in the article, more knowledge is needed to examine underlying causes. Most of the research I have personally done in the past, while suffering with insomnia, stated that more medical knowledge is needed to determine the “bigger picture” of the disorder. While discussing sleep issues, Judith Owens, M.D., M.P.H., stated in the article, “unknotting this tangled web presents a challenge to clinicians”. Unfortunately, there are several causes, which need further studying for improved treatment of insomnia.

Comprehension:

People need to comprehend the personal effects insomnia has on an individual and the family. Behavioral problems are exaggerated with disturbed sleep. Aggressiveness, ADHD, impulse control and neurocognitive deficits