Digital solutions for sleep problems in children: A pilot study

Abstract 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.