Sleep Problems In Children – Addressing A Serious Issue
It’s estimated that a quarter of young children have severe long and short term sleep problems. A prolonged sleep disorder can have a profound impact on a child’s development. Studies have shown that kids who are sleep deprived don’t perform well in school, exhibit behavioral problems and are more susceptible to illnesses. As a parent, there are simple things that you can do to help your child get a better night of sleep. Read on for more information on the symptoms of common sleep problems in children and the treatment options available.
New parents are often very concerned about how much sleep their baby is getting. Newborn infants have irregular sleep cycles and sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours per day. However, they may only sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time. As children get older, the total number of hours they need for sleep decreases. A pre-school child may still need to sleep 10 to 12 hours each day, whereas a school aged child sleeps about 10 hours each day. It is important to remember that each child’s sleeping pattern will be different.
It is well known that a child who has a sleep problem will also develop behavioral and attention problems in school. A recent study reported that 37% of school aged children experience significant, nocturnal sleeping issues. Problems may include a reluctance to go to sleep, disrupted sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking. In older children, bedwetting can also become a challenge. Sleep problems are also common in kids with ADHD. It is important to try and figure out if these issues, especially if your child has difficulty falling asleep, are a side effect of any ADHD medication he or she might be taking.
Kids can resist their bedtime for a number of reasons. However, establishing consistent bedtime rituals can help to avoid sleep problems in children. This can include bathing, teeth brushing, stories or saying prayers. This down time should be relaxing. If your child suffers from nightmares or night terrors, then lay down with them in their bed until they fall asleep. Do not take them to your own bed. This will not encourage them to feel safe and comfortable in their own room. It also helps if you give your child information about the importance of sleep. Tell them that sleep will help them to have more energy to play and grow up strong. This gives them an incentive to sleep more.
Sleep problems in children can be a learned behavior. If you have a family of night owls, then there might be a connection to your child’s bad sleeping habits. If you’re really concerned, then visit a sleep disorder center – especially if you suspect that depression or other anxiety disorders may be behind your child’s sleepless nights. It’s important to remember that different people need different amounts of sleep at different ages. If your child is not tired during the day, then don’t worry! Sometimes a simple bout of insomnia is nothing to lose sleep over.
For people who are able to get a quality nights sleep it is inconceivable for someone to suffer from insomnia or to be worn-out all of the time. Sleep disorders strike millions of people in America and countless more across the world. The troubles can range from simple snoring all the way sleep apnea. It can put unbelievable stress on a marriage if one person’s sleeping sounds greatly affect the other. Intense disorders have the ability to also be a risk to your life. The best method to lessen your nighttime suffering is to obtain as much information and help as possible. You can begin obtaining the help you are in need of by clicking here:
Sleep Disorder Treatments with more helpful material at Cure Insomnia and Chronic Insomnia
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