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.
Sleep problems in children can no doubt be thwarted if a regular sleep schedule is followed to ensure that your child gets enough rest. Start by establishing a quiet time before bed. This is a good time to take a bath and read a story. By winding down, your child will be able to fall asleep quicker. Once the body adjusts to a set schedule, he or she is more likely to be sleepy at the same time every night. If your child suffers from night terrors or nightmares, then make him more comfortable by turning on a night light in the room and allowing him to sleep with a favorite toy. Physical comfort, such as a firm sleep foundation is also key to a good night of sleep, as well as roomy and cozy pajamas.
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 can get a good nights sleep it is inconceivable for somebody to suffer from insomnia or be exhausted all of the time. Sleep disorders affect millions of people in America and countless other more over the world. The troubles can vary from basic snoring all the way sleep apnea. It can put almost unbearable stress on a marriage if one person’s sleeping sounds greatly influence the other. Intense disorders can also be a danger to your life. One of the method to lower your nighttime suffering is to obtain as much knowledge and assistance as possible. You can begin obtaining the assistance you require by clicking here:
Pregnancy And Insomnia also Cure Insomnia also head on over to Insomnia And Nutrition