Behavioural Psychotherapy, 1984, 12, 130-141 Modifying Bedtime Disruptions in Children using Stimulus Control and Contingency Management Techniques Matthew R. Sanders, University of Queensland Bill Bor and Mark Dadds The present study examined the effect of a bedtime management pro- gramme which incorporated both stimulus control and contingency man- agement procedures on the level of bedtime disruption in children. Using ,i multiple baseline across subjects design each of four children (ranging in age from 2-5 years) were sequentially introduced to the treatment program, which was implemented by the child's parents each night. In addition the study sought to determine whether direct treatment of bedtime disruption would be associated with any negative side effects. Systematic observational data revealed that the Bedtime Management Program was effective in reducing bedtime disruptions in all subjects and the improvements sustained during a 2-month follow-up. No evidence suggests that treat- ment resulted in negative side effects. The implications of the results for behavioural parent training are discussed. Introduction Sleep problems are common in young children (Richman, 1981a). It has been estimated that 12-59? of 3-year-olds have trouble falling asleep at night (Richman etal., 1975). Parents common complaints include the child refusing to go to bed, once in bed getting out or calling out frequently, and or waking during the night and demanding to come into the parent's bed. Furthermore, some authors argue that one-third of young children with sleeping disorders have generalized behaviour difficulties, and significant family disharmony (Richman, 1981b; Valman, 1981). Recent direct observation research has shown that bedtime is a "high risk" situation for parents of both oppositional problem children and normal children. In a study of oppositional and normal children (age range, 2-5—7 years) which examined rates of problem behaviours Address tor correspondence: Dr M. Sanders, Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Sciences Building, University ot Queensland, Herston, Q, 4029, Australia. 01-11-} r V 8 I/O2O13O + 12 S03.00/0 © 1981 British Association tor Behavioural Psychotherapy