ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Sleep disorders and substance use disorders remain among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. According to recent data, approximately 5.7% of children and adolescents suffer from clinically diagnosable insomnia, and 9.9% of youth between ages 12 and 17 reported the use of substances during the past month. Six in ten 9th-12th graders have less than eight hours of sleep on school nights and only 9% of students get the recommended nine hours of sleep. Among students who drive to school, 15% report fighting sleepiness while driving. Untreated insomnia in children and adolescents can lead to serious social and psychological consequences (1-3). Ivanenko et al. suggested that disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle during its maturation period in childhood and adolescence may indicate early development of psychopathology and should be identified and addressed appropriately (4). Indeed, rates of irritability, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, substance abuse, and risk for suicide are higher in children and adolescents with sleep disturbances. Adolescents with frequent sleep difficulties were more likely to report use of inhalants, alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes in comparison to those with no sleep problems (4,5).
