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Signs Your Child has a Sleep Disorder

by | Jun 30, 2017 | General, Kids Sleep

According to Healthline.com, sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability for someone to sleep well on a regular basis. There are many factors of daily life, that can contribute to sleep disorders, such as, stress, busy schedules, learning disabilities, and other outside factors. Depending on the sleep disorder, and the amount of sleep a person is getting, regardless, lack of sleep can have a negative impact on mood, energy, concentration, and most importantly, on our overall health.

It is important to note that sleep disorders can be an indication that someone has another condition. These problems may go away on their own once the condition is identified, but if it is discovered that the sleep disorder is caused by another condition, medical treatment and a change in their lifestyle regimen may be necessary.

Sleep disorders are common in children, depending on their age. For kids 12-18 years old eight or nine hours is sufficient, while a baby that is one month old, should sleep about 15 ½ hours. There may be a significant interruption or abnormality in your child’s sleeping patterns if they are exhibiting these symptoms:

  1. Excessive Snoring
  2. Gasps of air, or other breathing problems
  3. Bed wetting (older than six years old)
  4. Hyperactivity (ADHD)
  5. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
  6. Sleepiness during the day (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness-EDS)
  7. Restlessness
  8. Mood swings
  9. Nightmares/night terrors
  10. Sleep Walking

If parents see any of these symptoms or realize that their child’s sleeping patterns are a cause for concern, a visit to a sleep specialist is important. To try and prevent sleep problems in their child, parents should set an example of good sleeping habits. Set a specific and consistent bedtime routine, with a time in place.

Sleep disorders in children can not only affect mood and behavior, it can affect a child’s overall quality of life. If you think your child may have a sleep disorder, talk to their pediatrician, and they can refer you to a sleep specialist if a sleep study is needed, in order to determine if a sleep disorder is the cause.

To learn more about sleep disorders in children, and how to find out if your child may have one, call Gingras Sleep Medicine at  (704) 944-0562 to request an appointment, or request one online.