Digital solutions for sleep problems in children: A pilot study

Children with sleep difficulties have limited options for treatment. Advancements in technology allow for the digital delivery of evidence-based sleep strategies developed with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches for insomnia. An initial survey study was conducted to assess the need and current management of sleep problems in pediatric populations. A secondary pilot study evaluated the effect of a digitally-delivered sleep strategy for the treatment of pediatric sleep problems. In the pilot study, participants had access to a mobile application which provided individualized CBT-focused sleep solutions delivered over 6-10 weeks. A total of 218 participants were surveyed to determine their need and approach for pediatric sleep problems. Approximately 74% reported sleep problems in children aged 0-1 (46%), 2-4 (67%), 5-12 (85%), and 13-17 (73%). In the pilot study, 11 families with pediatric sleep problems (children categorized as baby, toddler and school-aged) were enrolled and received the DrLullaby digital intervention. An improvement in key sleep behavior was observed including "time to fall asleep" (n = 8; 72.7%), "total time asleep" (n = 6; 54.5%) and "time awake" (n = 7; 63.6%). Within group analysis for time awake and time to fall asleep showed a mean change from baseline of 75.6% and 31.3%, respectively. Within group analysis for total time asleep showed a mean improvement of 1 h and 3 min compared to baseline. The collective distress scale score was decreased by 35%. These results suggest viability of the digital delivery of evidence-based sleep strategies for treatment of pediatric sleep problems.