Chances are that you know a child, teenager or a student who just cannot seem to wake up on time in the morning. That kid always seems to have trouble waking up in the morning. It is as if they are a repeat snooze button alarm clock or radio presser. He or she just cannot seem to throw back the covers and make it out of bed promptly for school every and each morning.



The results may appear as a long list of tardy late slips and notes and some concerned teachers or school administrators. In addition this repeat behavior can be difficult and taxing on busy parents who are on a very tight morning schedule in this busy and harassed work a day world of two income earning parents.

The reason for this child's behavior may not be as simple as his or her desire to test parental, school and family boundaries. There may more serious underlying problems or concerns that may have to be identified and addressed.

Depression can be a reason. Depression can manifest itself in many symptoms. Trouble falling asleep or difficulty waking can be an indication. Children that are under stress who have recently experienced loss, or who have attentional learning conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Teenage girls are especially high risk, as are minority youth. If frequent sadness, feelings of helplessness, changes in appetite and withdrawal from pleasurable activities accompany sleep problems, it could be a good idea to visit a doctor.

Secondly the area of concern ma actually is related to getting to bed late at night.

Late night TV with the Simpsons or the computer for example may keep a kid up later at night than they should. There is no precise number of hours that a person has to sleep to feel rested. It is an individual preference and requirement. The general consensus is anywhere from seven to nine hours a night is standard. If your son or daughter has trouble waking up in the morning it is best to observe and watch whether he or she is simply just going to bed too late.

It may well be that the child or student has an actual medical sleep disorder. Many times people have trouble waking simply because their sleep is not productive enough. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, where the person briefly stops breathing at intervals during the night, restless leg syndrome or sleep walking can interfere with the overall quality of sleep of the person wanting to get a good nights sleep. In the case of sleep apnea the first initial treatment is to:? eat less and lose weight?.

Lastly one thing to consider in life is that sleep may be an avoidance behavior itself. Sleep itself may be a way for that kid or student to deal with extra stress or avoid something at school that is bothering him or her, such as a bully or over demanding parent or teacher. Talking with the student or your child may help them to express their feelings and concerns and shed light on whatever the problems actually are.

Exploring all of these possibilities can help parents as well as teacher figure out what may be the basis of their child's or the student's reluctance to easily ?rise and shine ?early and on time for school.