Sleep disorders in children are very common, but they can be difficult to diagnose and treat . In fact, approximately 40% of children will experience some type of sleep problem at some point that their parents would characterize as significant. Unfortunately, there are many different types of sleep disorders and problems that can affect children. To make things even more confusing, it can be difficult for children to explain their experiences and for parents to understand that their child really needs help.
What are sleep disorders in children?
It is estimated that up to 50% of children experience trouble sleeping. Sleep disorders in children are characterized by a child having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night. The most common symptoms are:
- Difficulty getting to sleep.
- Waking up frequently.
- Throwing things or yelling.
- Noisy breathing
- Pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Panting / snorting during sleep.
- Nightmares.
- Wake up with screams.
- Sleep walking.
- Restless legs.
- Wet the bed
- Fall asleep in class.
- Weight problems
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Hours of sleep a child needs according to their age
Although there is significant individual variation, there are well-established recommendations that address the total hours of sleep required for children of different ages. These totals include both contiguous sleep and naps:
- Newborns (1 month) normally sleep 15 to 18 hours , although, as most parents realize, never continuously. Some babies manage to get 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night, but most only sleep a couple of hours before waking up and feeding .
- Babies ( 1 month to 12 months) sleep 14 to 15 hours, and most develop an appropriate “day-night” cycle by 2 months. They begin to sleep for longer periods as they develop more.
- Young children (ages 1 to 3) require 12 to 14 hours, and while they continue to benefit from daytime naps as they age, they require fewer and shorter sleep periods during the day .
- Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) sleep 11 to 12 hours and the little ones in THIS age range still benefit from a nap during the day .
- School-age children (6 to 12 years old) require 10 to 11 hours of sleep , although preteens tend to sleep fewer hours.
- Adolescents (12-18 years old) require 8 to 9 hours of sleep , although given their school and extracurricular demands, in addition to social ones, they usually sleep between 6 and 8 hours.
Common sleep disorders
To ensure that you are prepared to help your child deal with any sleep problems that may arise, it is important that you, as a parent, understand some of the more common sleep disorders. There are two main categories of sleep disorders that affect children: parasomnias and dysomnias . Some examples of parasomnias include:
- Night terrors : A child with night terrors wakes up screaming frequently. However, despite the fear and panic associated with the experience, the child may not remember the event the next day.
- Nightmares – We’ve all had nightmares, but persistent nightmares can turn into a sleep disorder in some children.
- Somnambulism: while sleepwalking affects only 1% of adults, it is actually quite common in children.
- Rhythmic Movement Disorders : Children with this disorder may rock or bang their head while they sleep.
Common problems related to dysomnia include:
- Difficulties falling asleep : Some children may experience unusual difficulties falling asleep, no matter how hard they try
- Snoring or sleep apnea : both problems can indicate a problem with the child’s airway
- Boundary setting disorder: This disorder can cause a child to wake up before they have had enough sleep at night
Tests to diagnose sleep disorders in children
Sleep tests can be done to help identify exactly what your child’s sleep problems are. Common sleep tests are listed below:
- Sleep studies are performed overnight in a sleep laboratory to measure and record the quality of your sleep. They are usually used to diagnose sleep apnea.
- The electroencephalogram (EEG) test detects the electrical activity of the brain during sleep and measures the stages of sleep.
- The multiple sleep latency test is used for unexplained sleepiness and can help diagnose narcolepsy . It does this by measuring brain activity and eye movement during naps.
- Actigraphy involves the use of a watch-like device with a sensor to measure sleep patterns. It can diagnose OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) and insomnia.
- Blood tests can confirm iron deficiencies, which are related to recurrent limb movement and restless leg syndrome.
Treatment of sleep disorders in children
If your child doesn’t get enough sleep at night, he can become fatigued and irritated during the day. Children may have trouble staying focused, learning, and behaving appropriately . Sleep disorders in children can also affect growth, blood sugar levels, and the immune system.
The treatment of sleep disorders in children is a delicate problem because it is not appropriate to resort to medications unless absolutely necessary. If your child is struggling with a sleep disorder, take some time to discuss the problem with his pediatrician . Depending on the severity of the problem, the doctor may recommend some combination of the following measures:
- Observe the sleeping child to identify behavior patterns.
- Use relaxation techniques as a bedtime routine or self-hypnosis.
- Make the sleeping environment safe by removing sharp objects.
- Reduce stress of any kind.
- Before making any significant changes to his routine, be sure to consult with your pediatrician to develop a plan to treat your child’s specific sleep disorder.
