Sleep disorders and the course of atopic dermatitis in children

Atopic dermatitis (AD) in children is frequently associated with significant sleep disturbances, including prolonged sleep latency, frequent night awakenings, reduced total sleep duration, and impaired daytime functioning. Key mechanisms underlying these disturbances involve pruritus and inflammation, neuroimmune dysregulation, comorbid atopic conditions such as allergic rhinitis or asthma, and behavioral factors. Sleep disruption may further intensify perceived symptom severity, diminish family quality of life, and reduce treatment tolerability. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding the association between AD and sleep disorders, as well as diagnostic strategies, management principles, and therapeutic approaches in pediatric populations.