Misinformation in Pediatric Sleep Health: A Call to Action for Medical Professionals
In today's digital age, parents frequently turn to the internet for information on various aspects of child-rearing, including pediatric sleep health. Unfortunately, the online world is rife with misinformation, particularly in areas like pediatric sleep, where anecdotal advice often overshadows evidence-based content. This blog post aims to shed light on the prevalence and dangers of misinformation in pediatric sleep health and calls for action from the medical community.
The Spread of Misinformation in Pediatric Sleep Health
The internet and social media platforms serve as primary sources of information for parents seeking guidance on their children's health. However, the abundance of unverified content can lead to the dissemination of misinformation, which poses significant risks to the well-being of children. Sleep is a crucial component of a child's health, influencing everything from cognitive development to emotional stability (Matricciani et al., 2019). Yet, despite its importance, misconceptions about pediatric sleep persist, often fueled by the lack of credible sources online.
Common Misconceptions
Melatonin for Healthy Children: One prevalent myth is that melatonin supplements are suitable for otherwise healthy children who have difficulty falling asleep. While melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, its long-term effects on children are not well-documented. Relying on melatonin without medical supervision is not advised and can have adverse effects (Robbins et al., 2022).
The Role of Cortisol in Overtiredness: Another common misconception is that cortisol, the stress hormone, solely causes overtiredness in children. While cortisol plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle (specifically for the ‘second wind’) in addition to the body’s stress response, it is not the sole factor contributing to overtiredness in children.
The Dangers of Misinformation
The spread of misinformation can have dire consequences for children's health. Parents may unintentionally adopt harmful practices based on incorrect advice, such as inappropriate use of sleep aids or neglecting proper sleep hygiene. The stakes are high, as poor sleep in childhood can lead to long-term health issues, including obesity, cognitive impairments, and emotional disorders (Matricciani et al., 2019).
The Medical Community's Role
The medical community has a crucial role to play in combating misinformation and promoting evidence-based practices in pediatric sleep health. Here are some steps we can take:
Increase Presence on Social Media
Healthcare providers and institutions must be more visible on social media platforms. By actively participating in online discussions and providing scientifically backed information, we can counter misinformation and guide parents towards credible resources. Unfortunately, as Carson et al. (2023) found, the majority of content on pediatric sleep aids on platforms like Twitter comes from non-expert individuals.
Hold People Accountable
We must hold individuals and organizations spreading misinformation accountable. Encouraging platforms to fact-check health-related content and labeling information from reliable sources can help mitigate the spread of falsehoods.
Provide Credible Sources of Information
Developing a centralized repository of evidence-based information on pediatric sleep health can serve as a valuable resource for both parents and healthcare professionals. This can include easily accessible articles, guidelines, and FAQs addressing common concerns and misconceptions.
Create Learning Opportunities
It's essential to create learning opportunities for parents and caregivers, empowering them to make informed decisions about their children's sleep health. Workshops, webinars, and community events can facilitate direct engagement between experts and the public.
Conclusion
Misinformation in pediatric sleep health is a pervasive issue that requires immediate attention from the medical community. By increasing our presence online, holding sources accountable, and providing credible information, we can empower parents to make informed decisions for their children's well-being. Let's wake up as a medical community and work collectively to ensure that every parent has access to accurate, evidence-based sleep information.
Call to Action
Support and share evidence-based sleep information. Join us in our mission to promote accurate and reliable content in pediatric sleep health. Share this blog post with your networks, and together, let's create a community dedicated to the well-being of our children.
At The Sleep Health Organization we have created a comprehensive evidence-based program for any care provider who works with children. Our program provides a review of sleep health issues in children, behavioral interventions and discussion of the red flags and medical issues that can occur in sleep.
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References:
Matricciani, L., Paquet, C., Galland, B., Short, M., & Olds, T. (2019). Children's sleep and health: A meta-review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 39.
Robbins, R., Beebe, D. W., Byars, K. C., Grandner, M., Hale, L., Tapia, I. E., Wolfson, A. R., & Owens, J. A. (2022). Adolescent sleep myths: Identifying false beliefs that impact adolescent sleep and well-being. Sleep Health, 8(6), 632–639.
Carson, M., Moore, M., Cicalese, O., Dunnewald, M., Varker, A., Mindell, J. A., & Williamson, A. A. (2023). Variation in Twitter posts referencing pediatric sleep aids. Sleep Health, Journal of the National Sleep Foundation.
