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Helping a Child who Cannot Sleep

Posted May 18th, 2009 by admin

Sleep problems in children are often very different from the sleep disorders that beset adults. Studies have shown that children who do not receive adequate sleep at night will often nod off in class, will not have the energy to exercise and will experience feelings of depression. Nightmares, bedwetting and sleepwalking are familiar symptoms of sleep problems in children, so parents should know how to deal with these issues. If you are worried about your youngsters sleeping habits, then read on for some valuable advice on getting them into a sleep schedule that will improve their quality of life.

When they are first born, infants have irregular sleep patterns and might only sleep for a couple of hours at any one time. Nonetheless, over the period of twenty-four hours, they will average around 16 hours total sleep time. Once they start getting older, the quantity of sleep young kids want, will gradually lessen. While a pre school toddler might still require up to twelve hours sleep each day, once they begin school, that number will reduce to some 10 hours. However, no two kids are the same and each will have their own different sleep pattern.

Studies have shown that, as many as thirty seven percent of all youngsters suffer some form of major sleep issues including disrupted sleep, nightmares, sleepwalking and unwillingness to go to sleep.  Dealing with bedwetting - Nocturnal Enuresis, is an additional problem in older kids. The culmination of these issues can be the trigger of attention and behaviour problems as well as attention deficit hyperactive disorder or ADHD in some school age children. If your child has trouble getting off to sleep, it is essential for you, as a parent, to work out if the reason may be the result or side effect of any ADHD medication they may be taking.

Youngsters can protest their bedtime for various reasons. Nevertheless, establishing consistent bedtime rituals can help to avert sleep problems in children. This can include bathing, teeth brushing, reading stories or saying prayers. This down time should be restful. If your child suffers from nightmares or night terrors, then lay with them in their bed until they fall asleep. Do not take them to your own bed, since doing so will not encourage them to feel safe and comfortable in their own room. It also helps if you talk with your youngster about why do we need to sleep. Tell them that sleep will help them to have more energy to play and grow up strong. This offers them an incentive to sleep more.

Children learn from example, so observe a natural sleep ritual yourself. If your child’s symptoms persist, then consider visiting a sleep specialist. Sometimes sleep problems in children can be caused by depression or several other anxiety disorders. Nonetheless, bear in mind that every child is unique. If they are lively and active during the day, then do not worry if they are experiencing periodic sleepless nights.

Tags: child sleep problems, children and sleep, children sleep disorders, children sleep problems, sleep for children, sleep needs for children, sleep problems in children