Sleeping problems in kids can cause irritability, hyperactivity, behavior problems, attention disorders, lowered immune systems, and poor grades in school. If a young child is having difficulty getting enough rest, a sleep disorder may be the culprit. Here are some common sleep problems that keep kids from getting enough zzzs.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. This disorder causes upper airway obstruction during sleep, and interferes with normal breathing patterns. Some signs that a child may be suffering from sleep apnea include loud snoring, bedwetting, night terrors, nightmares, sleeping with the mouth open, heavy breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
If a young child is suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea, contact a doctor immediately, as there can be long-term consequences such as developmental delays, high blood pressure, and heart problems if this condition is left untreated. A sleep test known as a polysomnography may be done to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in a child. If the sleep apnea is severe, removal of the tonsils and adenoids may be necessary.
Sleepwalking Episodes
When children sleepwalk, they may roam around the room, move objects around, open windows and doors, or wander outside. During sleepwalking episodes, kids may be difficult to wake, disoriented, dazed, clumsy, and unresponsive when spoken to. To avoid scaring a sleepwalking kid, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests gently guiding the child back to bed, instead of waking him.
Sleepwalkers are completely unaware of what they’re doing, so parents should take every precaution to keep the child's sleeping area safe. Lock all exterior doors at night. Remove unnecessary clutter and furniture out of the bedroom. Keep sharp objects and chemicals out of reach. Use safety gates on the stairs. And put an alarm on the bedroom door to alert members of the household when it opens.
Unless sleepwalking episodes are frequent, medical intervention is not usually necessary. Children typically outgrow this disorder when they become teenagers.
Dealing With Night Terrors
Although nightmares, and night terrors are often confused, they are not the same thing. Nightmares are simply bad dreams that can be triggered by an emotional event, or a child’s overactive imagination. And when a child wakes from a bad dream, he’ll typically be able to remember the contents of the nightmare.
Night terrors on the other hand, causes kids to scream out during the night as if they’ve been terrified by something. Even though a child is still asleep during a night terror, his eyes may be open and bulging. Kids may also sweat, breathe rapidly, and be hard to wake. And once the child finally wakes from a night terror, he may be disoriented, and won’t have any recollection of the event.
Night terrors in kids are scary to witness, but they’re usually harmless. However, if a youngster is experiencing frequent night terrors, contact a doctor.
Recognizing sleep problems in kids such as sleep apnea, night terrors, and sleepwalking is the first step in helping them get the rest they need for healthy growth and development.
References:
FamilyDoctor.org Accessed 8-28-09
KidsHealth.org. Accessed 8-28-09
American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed 8-28-09
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