Sleep behaviors are one of the most common concerns parents of young children discuss with their pediatricians. In infancy and early childhood, the developing brain requires more time asleep than it does awake.As a result, sleep quality is extremely important in the overall well-being of a child. Children suffering from lack of quality sleep or sleep-related disorders can jeopardize their cognitive, emotional and physical development. Pediatric sleep problems don’t just affect the child - they often have a negative impact on other siblings’ quality of sleep and the entire family dynamic.
Sleep disturbances are diagnosed in 25 to 30 percent of infants and children. Causes can include an inconsistent bedtime routine, sleepwalking, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and epilepsy. Not surprisingly, pediatric sleep disorders are often overlooked because presenting symptoms of negative behavior, moodiness, irritability, lack of motivation, inability to focus, lethargy are misdiagnosed as behavioral or emotional problems, not a physical, medical condition. Severe or chronic sleep disorders can even cause adverse cardiovascular and metabolic effects as well as failure to thrive.
Common pediatric symptoms
Symptoms of sleep disorders in children can be obvious or subtle and often present with one or more of these symptoms on a regular basis:
ongoing bedtime resistance
nightly awakenings
sleepwalking
nightmares
bedwetting
insomnia
chronic snoring/breathing difficulties
How to proceed if you suspect a sleep disorder
First, consult with your pediatrician to rule out any acute or chronic medical conditions. Once medically cleared, it may be helpful to clinically observe and monitor your child in a sleep center that offers pediatric diagnosis and treatment services. These centers offer comfortable bedroom like settings where sleep patterns are evaluated and diagnosed during an overnight stay.A parent accompanies the child during the stay to provide comfort and alleviate anxiety.A sleep technologist applies small painless sensors designed to monitor your child’s brainwaves, muscle activity, heart rhythms, respiratory activity and oxygen saturation levels throughout the night. The results are then analyzed by a pediatric sleep medicine physician, who will determine a diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your child, if necessary. Once properly diagnosed, this and other sleep-related medical conditions can be successfully treated to restore and continue the child’s normal development process. If you suspect your child may have a sleep issue, see your pediatrician and discuss a sleep study evaluation.
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