5 Signs of Sleep Disorders in Children
No one wants to think about their child having a health problem. As parents, we obviously want our children to be as happy and as healthy as possible. But sleep disorders are alarmingly common among the adult population, so it only stands to reason that we should also keep an eye out for them among our children as well.
Are there actually cases of sleep disorders in children? We tend to think of this as more of a grown-up problem; but believe it or not, children can also suffer.
Here are 5 signs to look out for that might indicate that your child is suffering from a sleep disorder.
Your Child Has a Hard Time Sleeping
If your child has a difficult time going to sleep, it is possible that he/she is suffering from a sleep disorder. Many parents suspect behavioral problems when children do not go to sleep right away as instructed. Some might also blame sugar, or even a late nap.
And yes, these problems may indeed contribute; but one should also not completely rule out the possibility that if their child has a hard time sleeping, insomnia may be to blame. Failing to get a good night’s sleep can be very stressful for children, so this is a problem that certainly needs to be addressed.
Your Child Is Super Active, Even When Super Tired
This might seem like a common thing with children, and sometimes it is. But sometimes, when children get ‘tired and wired,’ it can also be a sign of a sleep disorder; and pediatricians say that snoring may be to blame in most of these cases.
To double-check on this, try to listen for snoring while your child is asleep. You may also want to keep your eye out for other signs and symptoms that could indicate a snoring problem. Does your child also zone-out a lot during the day? Do they act a bit irritable or cranky, even after getting an alleged 8 hours of sleep the night before?
These might be signs that you should talk to your doctor about.
Your Child Feels and Acts Sleepy During the Day
For the most part, children who get enough sleep should appear energetic during the day. But if your child regularly shows signs of excessive daytime fatigue, then you might want to take a second look at the situation. Doctors say that Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Narcolepsy can be the most likely culprits to blame for this kind of a problem, and both merit a talk with your child’s medical doctor.
Does your child have a hard time concentrating in class? Do they seem tired all the time, even after a ‘good’ night’s sleep? Do they fall asleep randomly during the day? If so, you might want to get the problem checked out.
Your Child Wets the Bed, Despite Being Over the Age of 9
It is no secret that bed wetting at a post-potty-training age is pretty much universally considered a problem. But many people do not realize that a sleep disorder could be to blame.
In fact, some pediatricians even say that you should be worried if bed wetting is occuring in a child age 5 or above.
If your child is wetting the bed as often as twice a week, it is technically considered a sleep disorder, and sleep apnea may be at least partly to blame.
Your Child Is Sleepwalking
Yes, children sleep walk too. In fact, 30% of children who are between the ages of 3 and 7 are actually reported to do it. The formal name for this unique, but troubling condition is somnambulism, and according to the Sleep Foundation, it is actually more common in children than adults.
But here is the kicker. While sleepwalking itself is technically a parasomnia, it might actually just be a symptom of another sleeping disorder.
For example, sleep deprivation can trigger cases of sleepwalking, as can sedative agents and sleep apnea.
Joshua Sigafus is just a writer trying to make the world a better place. He writes extensively about positive living, health, wellness, success, and happiness, and you can check out his daily blog at www.livinginspringfield.net for daily positive vibes and blog posts.
