Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) in School-Aged Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Insomnia is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders in school-aged children and adolescents. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) is the first-line treatment for adults, and existing studies show promising effects also for children and adolescents, the number of randomized controlled trials in younger age groups is rather small. CBT-i techniques for school-aged children and adolescents include bedtime shifts (including sleep restriction), stimulus control, thought challenging, psychoeducation, and relaxation techniques. The integration of parents, especially in school-aged children with insomnia, is highly recommended. More research is needed to investigate specific characteristics and models of child and adolescent insomnia.

Keywords: Adolescents; Children; Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i); Insomnia; Sleep problems.