CME & Events
Pediatric sleep CME for physicians
Accredited live CME on children's sleep, built for pediatricians and primary care providers. Our most recent series, Sleep Challenges in Children with ADHD, ran on June 16 and 17, 2026.
Most recent series
Supported by
The program
Sleep Challenges in Children with ADHD
A two-part virtual CME lunch series for pediatricians and primary care providers, held live and free to attend on June 16 and 17, 2026.
What it covers
Sleep problems are among the most common and most under-addressed challenges in children with ADHD. The series pairs clinical expertise with the family perspective, covering diagnostic clarity, melatonin, supplements, and how to support families.
The content was built on a needs assessment drawing on parent experience, Canadian pediatrician input, and expert committee guidance.
Six sessions, one clinical thread
- Sleep and ADHD: understanding the bidirectional relationship
- When to refer: appropriate use of polysomnography
- Sleep maintenance: what to do when children cannot stay asleep
- Melatonin beyond the basics: formulations, safety, and the ADHD medication question
- Expanding the toolkit: magnesium, iron, and other options
- Closing the loop with families: what parents need from you
Royal College Section 1
This event was approved for a maximum of 2 credit hours under Section 1 of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Credit was awarded only to participants who attended the live sessions.
Faculty and committee
Meet the faculty and planning committee
Five presenters delivered the series, supported by a planning committee that shaped the content. Some served in both roles.
Dr. Anya McLaren-Barnett
Pediatric Sleep Physician and Respirologist (Pulmonologist), Associate Professor at McMaster University
Dr. Karen Beattie
Lived Experience Partner, Associate Professor at McMaster University
Dr. Kelli-Lee Harford
Pediatric Sleep Psychologist, Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine
Dr. Christina Finch
Sleep Medicine Specialist, Assistant Clinical Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine
Charlene Esposto, M.A.
Parent advocate
Dr. Rosemary Gibson
Community Pediatrician
Dr. Sarah MacEachern
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics at University of Calgary and a Developmental Pediatrician
Dr. Scout McWilliams
Respiratory Medicine Fellow at SickKids
Practice change
What clinicians said they would change
Pediatrician
Re-affirming use of BEARS screening during developmental/ADHD visits.
Physician
Screen for sleep in ADHD; Consider overlap of sleep on ADHD symptoms; Validate parental concerns.
Feedback
In their own words
Nowadays more and more children are being diagnosed with ADHD. Understanding this topic more thoroughly will help me provide best practices when addressing children and families who are dealing with ADHD.
Understanding the correlation between sleep and ADHD is vital to treating the paediatric population... Poor quality and quantity sleep requires close attention and should be thoroughly investigated and managed.
It was great to hear from parents themselves about their journey in supporting their children’s sleep. I think that is very powerful.
Why it matters
Up to 70% of children with ADHD in specialist care also have a co-existing sleep problem
Pediatric sleep is not covered in depth in most training programs, so sleep disorders that overlap with ADHD symptoms may go unrecognized, and some children's sleep changes when stimulant medication is introduced or adjusted. Clinicians face limited appointment time, long waitlists for sleep assessments, and families asking about melatonin, magnesium, iron, and restless sleep, often alongside comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and their medications.
The topics were chosen with direct input from parents about the questions they struggle with and the gaps they encounter.
Source for the figure above: Sung V, Hiscock H, Sciberras E, Efron D. Sleep problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: prevalence and the effect on the child and family. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(4):336-42. Caregiver-reported sleep problems affected 73.3% of a clinically referred sample (28.5% mild, 44.8% moderate or severe). doi:10.1001/archpedi.162.4.336
STAY INFORMED
Be first to hear about our next pediatric sleep CME event
Thank you to everyone who joined us live for Sleep Challenges in Children with ADHD. Access to the recording ended on October 31, 2026. Enter your name and email below and we will let you know when registration opens for our next CME event.
We'll email you when registration opens for our next CME event. CME credit requires live attendance.
Audience
Who this is for
General pediatricians
Caring for children with ADHD in outpatient settings.
Family physicians
Managing ADHD across the lifespan.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
In pediatric or primary care.
Developmental pediatricians and psychiatrists
Looking to strengthen their approach to sleep assessment.
Residents and fellows
In pediatrics, family medicine, or psychiatry.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this event really free?
Our recent CME series was offered at no cost to participants. Details for each new event, including any fee, are shared when registration opens.
How will the CME be delivered?
Our CME events are delivered as live virtual webinars. Live attendance is required for CME credit.
What credits will I receive?
This event was approved by the Canadian Paediatric Society for Section 1 of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, for a maximum of 2 credit hours (1 hour per session attended).
Please note: CME credit was awarded only to participants who attended the live sessions. Viewing the recording does not qualify for credit.
I am not a physician, can I still attend?
Absolutely. While the accreditation is designed for physicians, all healthcare professionals who support children with ADHD are welcome to attend.
When exactly is the event?
Our most recent series took place on June 16 and 17, 2026. Dates for the next event will be shared with everyone on the list above as soon as they are confirmed.
Will a recording be available?
Access to the recording of Sleep Challenges in Children with ADHD ended on October 31, 2026. CME credit requires live participation and is not available for viewing a recording.
I have more questions, how do I get in touch?
You can reach our team anytime at info@thesleephealth.org.
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