OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review and update the knowledge about sleep disorders in childhood. SOURCES: Normal sleep ontogenesis and therapeutics for the most prevalent sleep disorders were reviewed. The text was based on classical articles and books and on Medline (publications from 2000 and 2001) using the key words sleep disorders and childhood. the article was structured on descriptive topics containing definition of the sleep disorder, age, clinical presentation and therapeutics. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Sleep disorders are frequent concerns referred in pediatrics outpatient clinics, and a correct diagnosis is the main goal to establish therapeutic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of cases clinical history is sufficient to establish diagnosis and assuring parents of the benign evolution of the symptoms the better treatment.