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Sleep Disorders In Children

By Louise M. Cerrato

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 02Feb2012
Word count: 1047
Viewed: 52 time(s)

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When psychiatrists speak about sleep disorders in children, they often use the term 'parasomnias' as these are the types of sleep disorders most commonly associated with child development. The term 'non-organic' is also used, meaning that they may be triggered by emotional events or factors.

Listed below are the most common forms of sleep disorders in children, as well as help on how to help children who face these problems.

1. Insomnia: This is a disorder that is manifested by a difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep or early final wakening. A high percentage of children with this disorder find it difficult to fall asleep. The first thing to do is rule out physical factors. Pain is most commonly associated with insomnia. If physical factors are ruled out, ensure proper sleep hygiene is maintained. Ensure the sleep area and activity area are clearly differentiated and maintain a sleep routine.

2. Hypersomnia: This is a disorder that is manifested by prolonged daytime sleep, sleep attacks or difficulty waking up in the morning. It is different from narcolepsy, in that, with hypersomnia, the child can try to resist the feeling of sleepiness during the day as well as the fact that it does not interfere with nocturnal sleep. Cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations are also absent. Depression often plays a role in the causes for hypersomnia and parents must try to have conversations with their children about things that may be worrying them. Children often worry themselves over things that adults can easily explain to them and help them with. Apart from these conversations, ensure that proper sleep hygiene is maintained.

3. Nocturnal Enuresis: Better known as bedwetting, it is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is inorganic if it happens after the child has achieved bladder control. It is linked to a high level of insecurity and can be associated with night terrors. When this occurs, parents may need to talk to the child and think about events that may have caused this insecurity . Maintaining sleep hygiene as well as watching liquid consumption before bedtime can also help.

4. Night Terrors : This is a disorder that is manifested with episodes of sudden awakening often with a scream and or autonomic discharge. The child may sit up straight or attempt to escape, although they rarely leave the room. They also have no recollection of the episode the next morning. Trying to interfere or calm the child down during the episode is not advisable. Instead talk to the child about events that may be consciously or subconsciously scaring him or her. Ensure that the period before bedtime is free from all negative or fearful events.

It is very important to ensure you have open channels of communication with your child. It is the simplest, most effective and lasting treatment and prevention of sleep disorders. That being said, if it persists, ensure you visit a doctor. Sleep is very important for a child's development. Interrupted sleep also interferes with the child's ability to perform daily activities including his or her school work which in turn will increase frustration levels, further affecting their quality of sleep.

Has this information been beneficial? Have you found what you were looking for? If you have not then you may want to visit Sleep Disorder Treatment and Sleep Disorder Treatment.

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