Nocturnal Eczema: Review of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Children with Atopic Dermatitis and Future Research Directions
TLDR Children with atopic dermatitis often have sleep problems, affecting their growth and behavior.
The review discussed the significant impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on sleep in children, noting that 60% experienced sleep disturbances, with 83% reporting issues during exacerbations. It highlighted the role of circadian rhythms in nocturnal eczema and the negative consequences of disturbed sleep, such as impaired growth and behavioral issues. Factors like increased skin temperature and inflammatory cytokines contributed to nocturnal flares. Various treatments, including topical steroids and antihistamines, were evaluated, but their effectiveness varied. The review emphasized the need for objective measures to assess sleep disturbances and called for further research to understand the mechanisms and develop targeted therapies.
