Sleep across childhood during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review of the literature and clinical case examples

Abstract

ABSTRACT Without the structure and schedule of traditional activities such as in-person school and socialization, evidence is emerging of pediatric sleep changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A narrative review was conducted of the sleep literature during the pandemic for preschoolers, school-aged children, and adolescents. Changes in sleep and risk and protective factors for sleep heath during the COVID-19 pandemic are reviewed along with real-life clinical case examples for each developmental period. Given the high rates of pediatric sleep disturbance, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers should refine screening strategies and facilitate referrals for behavioral interventions to support sleep health during pandemics and other natural disasters.