Pediatric sleep disorders: new developments and evolving understanding.

Disorders of sleep in children are distinctly different from sleep disorders in adults. Since children are forced to constantly learn and adapt, the effects of disordered sleep may be more profound. This paper reviews the disorders of sleep that are most significant in each of the stages of development from infancy to adulthood. Recent literature pertaining to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of sudden infant death syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children are highlighted. In addition, recent literature on the relationship of behavior and learning problems to sleep disorders is examined.