7 Signs in Children That Indicate Sleep Disorders
Identifying Sleep Disorders in Children: A Common Challenge for Parents
In this section ofSelMagzRecognizing Sleep Disorder Signs: A Parent’s Key ResponsibilityUnderstanding Sleep Disorders in Childrenis a serious concern because if not addressed, it may cause additional problems for your child later on.
Understanding Sleep Needs by Age: Essential for Identifying Issues
What Are the Signs of Sleep Disorders in Children?
How Much Sleep Do Children Need?
Weeks 1 to 4: Infants typically sleep around 16 to 17 hours daily and awaken for 1 to 3 hours. Many have not yet developed a regular sleep cycle, requiring parents to adjust schedules accordingly.
1 to 4 Months: Children still need a similar amount of sleep but start to sleep more at night while waking up for feedings.
4 Months to 1 Year: Children need about 14 to 15 hours of sleep, primarily at night with 3 daytime naps. It’s vital to set healthy sleep habits during this time.
1 to 3 Years: Toddlers need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep but often get less due to family schedules. They may skip morning and early evening naps.
3 to 6 Years: Children typically need around 11 to 12 hours of sleep. Napping may be needed until they begin first grade.
7 to 12 Years: Children in this age range require around 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night, though many only get about 9 to 10 hours.
13 to 18 Years: Teenagers require approximately 8 to 10 hours of sleep but often get less due to school activities. They generally sleep around 6 to 8 hours.
Signs of Sleep Disorders in Children
1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
EDS can cause excessive daytime sleepiness in children, sometimes linked to sleep disorders, even if they appear to have enough nighttime sleep.Feeling SleepyIf your child feels excessively sleepy during the day or struggles to wake up, they may have EDS, which can be linked to disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome.
2. Trouble Sleeping
Difficulty Falling Asleep: A Potential Sign of InsomniaInsomniain children may result from factors such as stress, pain, or mental health challenges.Stresscan be triggered by school pressure, social issues, family dynamics, or disruptions in their usual routines, like relocating.
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders in Children
3. Snoring: A Sign of Sleep Disorders in Children
Snoring itself isn’t harmful but can signify airway obstructions, which may disrupt sleep.Snoringin children is typically overlooked as an adult sleep disorder. Common causes include respiratory infections,nasal congestion,deviated septumor enlarged tonsils; however, some snoring children may have sleep apnea, affecting about 3% of them.
4. Nightmares: A Sign of Sleep Disorders in Children
Nightmares happen during REM sleep and can cause fear, making it hard for children to fall back asleep. They are common in 3-year-olds and can reoccur between ages 6 and 10, usually decreasing afterward. Frequent nightmares can lead to sleep disorders alongside EDS and PTSD.anxietyand behavioral problems. They can stem from various factors.
Nightmares: A Sign of Sleep Disorders in Children
5. Night Terrors: A Sign of Sleep Disorders
Night terrors differ from nightmares in that the child doesn’t fully wake. They can seem less frightening to the child but very alarming for parents. During night terrors, a child might suddenly sit up screaming or crying, with other signs like sweating and rapid breathing.heart rate, wide-open eyes (even while asleep), and muscle tension. Night terrors can last under 5 minutes and parents shouldn’t wake the child, as it can be distressing.
Night terrors are related to an immature central nervous system and often improve during adolescence. A recent article in the Pediatric Association discusses the links between sleep issues, nightmares, and night terrors.
6. Sleepwalking: A Sign of Sleep Disorders
Sleepwalking is common in children, affecting about 30% aged 3 to 7. It involves getting out of bed while still asleep, sometimes with eyes open and mumbling. It can last from 5 to 15 minutes or longer and is often risky; parents should help maintain a safe environment and avoid waking the child, as it may cause distress.
7 Signs of Sleep Disorders in Children
7.Bedwettingis a sign of sleep disorders in children
is common among children and often isn’t a cause for concern unless the child is over five and regularly wets the bed. It’s associated with family history,developmental delayspoor bladder control, and emotional stress. However, if a child often wets the bed and feels sleepy during the day, they may have sleep apnea.
What You Can Do
Sleep disorders can lead to behavioral issues at home, school, and socially. If you think your child has a sleep disorder, consult a pediatrician as the first step.
