How To Treat Sleep Problems In Children

It’s estimated that a quarter of young children have severe long and short term sleep problems. A prolonged sleep disorder can have a profound impact on a child’s development. Studies have shown that kids who are sleep deprived don’t perform well in school, exhibit behavioral problems and are more susceptible to illnesses.

As a parent, there are simple things that you can do to help your child get a better night of sleep. Read on for more information on the symptoms of common sleep problems in children and the treatment options available.

New parents are often very concerned about how much bedtime their baby is getting. Newborn infants have irregular bedtime cycles and sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours per day. However, they may only not stay awake for 1 or 2 hours at a time.

As children get older, the total number of hours they need for not to stay awake decreases. A pre-school child may still need to sleep 10 to 12 hours each day, whereas a school aged child sleeps about 10 hours each day. It is important to remember that each child’s sleeping pattern will be different.

It is well known that a child who has a sleep problem will also develop behavioral and attention problems in school. A recent study reported that 37% of school aged children experience significant, nocturnal sleeping issues. Problems may include a reluctance to go to bed, disrupted sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking.

In older children, bedwetting can also become a challenge. Such problems are also common in kids with ADHD. It is important to try and figure out if these issues, especially if your child has difficulty falling asleep, are a side effect of any ADHD medication he or she might be taking.

Sleep problems in children can no doubt be thwarted if a regular bedtime schedule is followed to ensure that your child gets enough rest. Start by establishing a quiet time before bed. This is a good time to take a bath and read a story. By winding down, your child will be able to fall asleep quicker.

Once the body adjusts to a set schedule, he or she is more likely to be sleepy at the same time every night. If your child suffers from night terrors or nightmares, then make him more comfortable by turning on a night light in the room and allowing him to sleep with a favorite toy. Physical comfort, such as a firm sleep foundation is also key to a good night of sleep, as well as roomy and cozy pajamas.

Kids learn from example, so follow a regular bedtime ritual yourself. If your child’s symptoms persist, then consider seeing a bedtime specialist. Sometimes sleep problems in children can be caused by depression or other anxiety disorders.

However, remember that each child is different. If they’re energetic and active during the day, then don’t worry if they’re having occasional sleepless nights.

Discover more information about treating sleep problems in children from Mike Selvon educational portal. We appreciate your feedback at our sleep disorder treatment blog.

Can Focalin XR when taken in the morning cause sleep problems?

My daughter was put on Focalin XR for ADHD. She takes this first thing in the morning along with her anitbiotics for Lyme Disease. Since she has been taking this she has not slept more than 5 hours at night. I have checked every other medicine and none of them seem to cause any sleep problems. Besides that the doctor that put her on this medicine said she either had ADHD or Bipolar disorder but they couldn’t tell which one. Any help would be great. Thanks!!

Answer
Is the Focalin helping with her symptons? If it is than she is ADHD. If it seems to make the symptoms worse, then she most likely has Bipolar disorder. My son is on Adderol XR for ADD and it helps with his symptoms. In the beginning he ate very little and slept very little but it did pass with time. Manic episodes from the Bipolar can also make someone sleep less……. Again, look at her symptoms, if the Focalin helps then give it a little time for the side effects to go away. If her symptoms are worse…. take her back to the doctor and see about trying a med for Bipolar mania.