For Your Child
Restful Sleep Supports Health in ChildrenMost children do not get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group, and many parents are not aware of just how much sleep children should be getting, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).  Recently, the NSF found through a national poll that many parents are not satisfied with the their children's sleep habits. "Sleep is a vital asset for a child's health and overall development, learning, and safety," says Richard L. Gelula, chief executive officer of the NSF. Developing Proper Sleep HabitsThe following are some helpful tips for establishing good sleep habits for your child:
Help for Poor SleepersChildren can easily fall into bedtime habits that are not always healthy habits. Should a child have poor sleep habits, the following tips may be helpful:
Teens Need Sleep, TooThe following are some tips to help parents with older children who have problems going to bed:
Always consult your child's physician for more information. Online Resources(Our Organization is not responsible for the content of Internet sites.) American Academy of Pediatrics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute of Child Health & Human Development |
Sleep Problems DefinedAbout 69 percent of children 10 and younger experience some type of sleep problem, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2004 Sleep in America poll. Insomnia is a sleep problem that occurs when a child complains of difficulty falling asleep, remaining asleep, and/or early morning awakenings. Insomnia can be short-term due to stress, pain, or a medical or psychiatric condition. It can become long-term if the underlying cause is not addressed or healthy sleep practices are not employed, states the NSF. Treating underlying conditions, developing good sleep practices and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can improve the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Nightmares are frightening dreams that occur during REM sleep and awaken a child. They usually occur in the later part of the night. Most children have at least one nightmare during childhood. Three percent of preschool and school-aged children experience frequent nightmares, according to NSF’s 2004 Sleep in America poll. They can be upsetting and a child will need reassurance when they occur. Nightmares can result from a scary event, stress, a difficult time or change in a child’s routine. Use of a night light or security object is often helpful. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder that includes uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings (such ascrawly tingly or itchy) in the legs causing an overwhelming urge to move. These feelings make it difficult to fall asleep. RLS can be treated with changes in bedtime routines, increased iron, and possibly medications. Sleeptalking occurs when the child talks, laughs, or cries out in his or her sleep. As with sleep terrors, the child is unaware and has no memory of the incident the next day. There is usually no need to treat sleeptalking. Sleepwalking is experienced by as many as 40 percent of children, usually between ages three and seven. Sleepwalking usually occurs an hour or two after sleep onset and may last five to 20 minutes. As sleep deprivation often contributes to sleepwalking, parents can move their child's bedtime earlier. Sleep terrors occur early in the night. A child may scream out and be distressed, although she or he is not awake or aware during a sleep terror. Sleep terrors may be caused by not getting enough sleep, an irregular sleep schedule, stress, or sleeping in a new environment. Increasing sleep time will help reduce the likelihood of a sleep terror. Snoring occurs when there is a partial blockage in the airway that causes a noise due to the vibration of the back of the throat. About l0 percent to 12 percent of normal children habitually snore. Snoring can be caused by nasal congestion or enlarged adenoids or tonsils that block the airway. Some children who snore may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, when snoring is loud and the child is having difficulty breathing, may be a sign of a more serious disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep caused by blocked airway passages, resulting in repeated arousals from sleep. Sleep apnea has been associated with daytime sleepiness, academic problems, and hyperactivity. Treatment for sleep apnea is available. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. |