Study Finds Many Children Suffer Sleep Deprivation, Quick Fix Is Pills

People tend to think of sleep problems as adult problems, generally connected to trouble with weight, diet, stress or depression. But more and more children are having trouble sleeping -- and more often than not, a new study finds, the treatment they receive comes in the form of a pill.

The trend is concerning, the study authors say, because sleep deprivation can lead to headaches, irritability, impaired concentration and even behavior akin to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

In addition, little is known about the consequences of the prescriptions children are being given to deal with their sleep disturbances. Neither their safety nor effectiveness has yet been studied in young people.

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