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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Tackling sleep problems may be a surprisingly effective way to ease anxiety in children and young adults. A systematic review of 24 studies found that sleep-focused interventions — especially CBT for insomnia — consistently reduced anxiety symptoms in pediatric populations. Researchers say improving sleep could be one of the most accessible routes to preventing anxiety disorders in kids.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health challenges in children, yet many kids never receive adequate treatment — and even those who do often don't fully recover. A new systematic review published in Current Psychiatry Reports suggests that targeting sleep could be a practical and effective strategy for reducing anxiety in pediatric and young adult populations.
Researchers analyzed 24 studies involving participants aged 6 to 25, examining sleep interventions, sleep manipulation experiments, and studies on anxiety sensitivity. The most widely tested approach was cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which showed consistent benefits when delivered via the internet, email, or apps. A school-based group sleep program improved sleep outcomes, and a college sleep education course significantly reduced anxiety compared to control groups.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: With so many children undertreated for anxiety, sleep-focused interventions offer a scalable, lower-barrier option that clinicians can realistically implement — especially through digital platforms.
