The Zurich 3-step concept for the management of behavioral sleep disorders in children: a before-and-after study.

Objectives: Several strategies have been found to be effective for the treatment of childhood behavioral sleep disorders. One which has yet to be evaluated is the Zurich 3-step concept, which combines basic notions of the two-process model of sleep regulation (introducing a regular rhythm and adjusting bedtime to sleep need) with behavioral strategies. This uncontrolled before-and-after study describes our concept and its step-wise approach, assesses changes in sleep-wake variables and behavior problems, and also examines associations between changes in sleep-wake variables and behavior problems.

[Sleep physiology and its relevance for the management of behavioral sleep disorders in children].

Sleep problems are among the most frequent behavioural issues during childhood. This article highlights some of the most important aspects of children's sleep physiology and presents a clinical approach for the management of behavioural sleep disorders in children. Our concept is based on developmental aspects of sleep physiology and also uses behavioural strategies for the parents and their child to handle maladaptive sleep behaviour.