[Differential diagnostic correlations of sleep and attention disorders in childhood--comorbid psychological and organic illnesses].

Sleep disorders in childhood are a common phenomenon. A highly differenciated diagnostic effort is required as sleep in children is extremely variable between individuals, undergoes a constant natural development and depends of cultural influences on sleep behavior. The pathogenesis is predominantly due to environmental variables, especially to the child-parent interaction. Besides somatic diseases, as Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, Restless legs syndrome and nocturnal seizures play an etiologic role. Psychological and somatic factors in the development of sleep disorders have in common that they exercise a serious negative impact on cognitive daytime functioning and behavior. In this paper the interdependence of somatic and psychological factors and the relations between disturbed nighttime sleep and impaired daytime functioning will be discussed. Especially in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder these relations can be demonstrated. Conclusions are drawn for a specific, stepwise diagnostic approach in children's sleep disorders.