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Recognizing the Different Types of Sleep Disorders in Children
Does your child have difficulty going to bed? Is it a big hassle getting your child out of bed in the morning? Does your child seem sleepy or groggy during the day? Does your child wake up at night screaming? Does anything else seem to interrupt his sleep? Does your child snore? Loudly? Every night? Does he ever stop breathing or choke or gasp during sleep? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it could mean that your child has a sleeping disorder that you need to look into further. It has been only during the past few decades that pediatricians and physicians have begun recognizing sleep disorders in children. Earlier these disorders were overlooked and usually dismissed as a common childhood problem that would be overcome with age. Sleep walking, sleep talking, bed wetting, night terrors and head banging are considered some of the more common sleep disorders in children. Bed wetting, a problem which was once frowned upon, has been recognized as the most prevalent and persistent sleep disorder in children. It is more common in boys and in families in which one or both parents used to wet the bed as a child. Experts believe that it takes longer for some children to develop the ability to control their bladder. Children who have night terrors usually sit up with their eyes wide open, with a look of fear and panic, and let out "blood curdling screams." They may appear to be awake but are actually still asleep. Night terrors may also make a child sweat, breath faster and have a rapid heart rate. Night terrors last for about 5 to 30 minutes. If your child is having a night terror, do not wake him up. Comfort him, make him feel safe and help him return to sleep once it is over. Night terrors usually occur in the early part of the night, about 1 to 4 hours after going to sleep. Sleep walking is more common among children between the ages of six and twelve. At least 15 percent of all young children will have an episode of sleep walking at some point in their life. Just like bed wetting, this problem is found in children whose families have a history of the problem. As a parent, you should ensure your childs safety by locking all windows and removing all hazardous things from your childs room. Do not let your child sleep on a bunk bed. Sleep talking is more common than sleep walking. Some children may talk very loudly and clearly, others may just mumble. If your child is speaking loudly and seems upset, try comforting him. On the other hand, if he is just talking, it is best to leave him alone. He will go back to sleep in a while. Head banging and body rocking are normal behaviors in children under the age of three. These children seem to find the rhythmic back-and-forth movements a soothing way to fall asleep. Head banging can start as early as four months or as late as two years and can last for several months. Head banging can also soothe a child in pain. Infants and toddlers are more likely to bang their head when they're teething or suffering from an ear infection. Head banging apparently helps them feel better, perhaps by distracting them from the discomfort in their mouth or ear. If your child is having a sleep disorder, make sure that you get some help. Locate a specialist in your area. If at any time your child becomes rigid, starts shaking vigorously or get convulsions, go to the hospital immediately. Understand your childs problem and help him deal with it.
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