Prescribed sleep medication use is prevalent (20.9%) among children and young people experiencing mental health crises, and is associated with longer length of stay, trauma-related psychiatric conditions, and polypharmacy.
In a cross-sectional study of 201 children and young people (CYP) attending a mental health crisis service in Sydney, 20.9% were prescribed sleep medications (e.g., melatonin, benzodiazepines). Multivariate regression showed that longer length of stay (AOR=3.61), trauma-related psychiatric conditions (AOR=2.81), and polypharmacy (AOR=11.36) were significantly associated with increased prescribed sleep medication use.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Prescribed sleep medication use is prevalent (20.9%) among children and young people experiencing mental health crises, and is associated with longer length of stay, trauma-related psychiatric conditions, and polypharmacy. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Prescribed sleep medication use is prevalent (20.9%) among children and young people experiencing mental health crises, and is associated with longer length of stay, trauma-related psychiatric conditions, and polypharmacy.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Children and young people (CYP) experiencing mental health crises attending the Macarthur Safeguards Acute Mental Health Crisis Service in Sydney, Australia (n=201).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸A Cross-Sectional Study of Prescribed Sleep Medication Use and Its Clinical and Demographic Factors Among Young People Receiving Mental Health Crisis Interventions in Sydney, Australia. (Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing : official publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, Inc, 2026) — In a cross-sectional study of 201 children and young people (CYP) attending a mental health crisis service in Sydney, 20.9% were prescribed sleep medications (e.g., melatonin, benzodiazepines). Multivariate regression showed that longer length of stay (AOR=3.61), trauma-related psychiatric conditions (AOR=2.81), and polypharmacy (AOR=11.36) were significantly associated with increased prescribed sleep medication use.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸CYP with mental health crises often have sleep difficulties
- ▸Longer length of stay may lead to more opportunities for medication prescription
- ▸Trauma-related conditions may increase sleep disturbances and medication use
- ▸Polypharmacy increases likelihood of including a sleep medication
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Children and young people (CYP) experiencing mental health crises attending the Macarthur Safeguards Acute Mental Health Crisis Service in Sydney, Australia (n=201)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design limits causal inference
- ▸Single-site study may limit generalizability
- ▸Reliance on electronic medical records may miss over-the-counter or non-prescribed sleep aids
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prevalence of prescribed sleep medication use in young people with mental health crises?▼
The prevalence was 20.9% in this study of 201 children and young people.
Which factors are associated with prescribed sleep medication use in this population?▼
Longer length of stay, trauma-related psychiatric conditions, and polypharmacy were significantly associated with increased use.
What types of sleep medications were prescribed?▼
The study mentions melatonin and benzodiazepines as examples of prescribed sleep medications.
What are the clinical implications of this study?▼
The authors highlight the need for careful consideration of risks, drug interactions, and limited long-term benefits, and recommend addressing underlying causes and non-pharmacological interventions.
References
- 1.Huda MN, Jamali H, Monir M, Rahman A, Schlesinger AM, Bartrop I, Barton G, Hurst A, Andrews C, Eapen V, Jairam R. “A Cross-Sectional Study of Prescribed Sleep Medication Use and Its Clinical and Demographic Factors Among Young People Receiving Mental Health Crisis Interventions in Sydney, Australia..” Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing : official publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, Inc, 2026. PMID: 42560083 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.70071