Editorial: Sleep privilege – research and clinical recommendations for when sleep cannot be optimal

Abstract

Sleep has historically been undervalued, with its significance in public health and child development often disregarded. More recently, there has been immense and growing public interest in sleep. Guidelines emphasise the amount and quality of sleep that we should obtain. However, some people, and notably parents and caregivers of children and youth, and particularly those with special needs, are not able to achieve this and are becoming distressed and worried. Whereas some people have ‘sleep privilege’ in that they are able to sleep under optimal circumstances and conditions, others do not. Here we offer six research and clinical recommendations for this important yet underconsidered area.