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 bedtime their baby is getting. Newborn infants have irregular bedtime cycles and sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours per day. However, they may only not stay awake for 1 or 2 hours at a time.
As children get older, the total number of hours they need for not to stay awake 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 bed, disrupted sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking.
In older children, bedwetting can also become a challenge. Such 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 bedtime 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.
Kids learn from example, so follow a regular bedtime ritual yourself. If your child's symptoms persist, then consider seeing a bedtime specialist. Sometimes sleep problems in children can be caused by depression or other anxiety disorders.
However, remember that each child is different. If they're energetic and active during the day, then don't worry if they're having occasional sleepless nights.
Although we all need enough sleep to function well during the day, children especially need their sleep, because it's during sleep that body produces growth hormones. These hormones are essential for healthy development.
Almost one in three children are sleep deprived. So why is this happening and what can we do about it? There are many reasons children may not be getting the sleep they need. Most of us know the more common things that keep our kids awake at night, for instance stress, not having a sleep routine and lack of exercise. There are however, a few lesser known causes of sleep problems in children and we'll have a look at some of them here.
Television and computers in the bedroom
Computer games and television in the bedroom are among the biggest child sleep stealers! Playing computer games is both entertaining and stimulating. If your child is using computers or the television to unwind, they're probably having the opposite effect.
Television can stimulate our children's minds to the point where relaxation is impossible especially if the program is scary. Do you know what your child is watching in his bedroom? Noise and light, even dim light, can make it difficult to fall asleep. Light prevents the brain from producing the hormone melatonin which induces sleep. The bright, flickering television or computer screen prevents this essential sleep hormone from forming.
Soft drinks
You wouldn't give your child a cup of coffee or tea in the evening, but how about a chocolate bar or a glass of cola at lunchtime? Caffeine is a notorious stimulant and most of us insomniacs know not to drink coffee late at night. But did you know caffeine can take 6-8 hours more to leave the body? So that mid afternoon cuppa may be causing your night time restlessness and than can of cola after school could be keeping your child up long after he should be asleep.
Time stress
Does your child have too much to do? School, homework, sports or coaching. Children have a lot of opportunities these days but less and less time to fit everything in. This can cause stress and can be a major cause of sleep problems in children as there is no time left at the end of the day to unwind.
The link between obesity and childhood sleep apnea
Overweight children can be prone to childhood sleep apnea which is a serious disease where the body doesn't get enough oxygen. Not many people realize children can suffer with sleep apnea but it's a real risk for overweight children. Best remedies are lots of exercise and less junk food. Oh! and please take them to the doctor if you suspect childhood sleep apnea.
There is also a link between overweight kids and other sleep problems due to metabolism and also hormone function. These theories are being tested still but may be due to sleep deprived children needing to overeat to create energy for day to day living.
Childhood nightmares
Dreams are a necessary and natural way to process what happens in our lives, but does your child have nightmares or bad dreams? Kids who have nightmares regularly, sometimes resist the urge to sleep because they are afraid of scary dreams.
These are some of the reasons your child may be sleep deprived. As you've probably figured out they also apply to us adults!
Both Mike Selvon & Wendy Owen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mike Selvon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Camping, Allergies and Personal Desktop. Discover more information about treating from Mike Selvon educational portal. We appreciate your feed. Mike Selvon's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Wendy Owen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Baby Shower and Fitness. Child sleep problems can affect the whole family, not to mention your child's wellbeing. Visit