[Clinical evaluation and treatment of insomnia in childhood].

OBJECTIVES The aim of this article is to review and update the knowledge about insomnia in childhood. SOURCE OF DATA The text was based on a MEDLINE search (publications from 1999 to 2004) using the keywords sleep disorders, insomnia, and childhood. Classic articles and textbooks about the subject were also included. The authors proposed a practical schedule to evaluate and treat insomnia in childhood. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS The article was structured on descriptive topics containing the definition of insomnia, age-related clinical characteristics and therapeutics. CONCLUSIONS Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder in pediatric outpatient clinics and is often misdiagnosed. Defining its etiology is the main goal to establish therapeutic procedures. In most cases, clinical history is sufficient to establish the diagnosis and reassure parents of the benign nature of this condition.