Random Bedtimes Breed Bad Behavior In Kids

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Parents learn the hard way that late bedtimes make for cranky kids the next day. But inconsistent bedtimes may have a greater effect on children's behavior, a study says.

Kids who didn't go to bed on a regular schedule had more behavior problems at home and at school. When those children were put to bed at the same time each night, their behavior improved.

That data came from an ongoing study of 10,230 British schoolchildren. Mothers were asked if their child had a regular bedtime during the school week. That information was collected when the children were ages 3, 5 and 7.

The mothers were also asked to complete a standardized test that measures behavior, including conduct problems, hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, problems with peers and positive behavior.

Children who went to bed after 9 p.m. were rated as having more behavior problems than children who went to bed earlier. That's no surprise; there's abundant evidence on the effects of lack of sleep on children's school performance and behavior.

But irregular bedtimes actually caused worse behavior than short sleep.

Teachers were asked to rate some of the children's behavior at age 7. They too reported more behavior problems in children with irregular bedtimes.

The good news is that the behavior problems improved when children were shifted to a more regular schedule. The scientists call that a "clear dose-response pattern." And behavior deteriorated in children who had regular bedtimes at age 5 and were on a more random plan by age 7, the parents said.

The sleep issues could affect behavior in two ways, according to the researchers at University College London. It could mess up children's circadian rhythms, which are slow to change. And it could affect maturing brain regions involved in regulation of behavior.

Pediatricians should ask about irregular bedtimes, the researchers say, not just how many hours a kid is logging.

This study has shortcomings. It doesn't report how much the children actually slept, but rather how much their mothers said they slept. And it could be that the families with random bedtimes had other problems that affected the child's behavior.

Lack of sleep causes health problems in children and adults, including weight gain and insulin resistance.

And regular bedtimes are recommended for adults too, because maintaining a regular circadian rhythmmakes it easier to fall asleep and wake up on time. No word if it makes grownups less cranky. But it probably couldn't hurt.

Sleep apnea can also impact children

This article discusses how sleep apnea can impact children and when a child should be evaluated by a professional for sleep apnea.

When we think of a sleeping child, the picture that often comes to mind is of a cherubic face relaxed into a smile, with an air of complete peace about her. This, unfortunately, is not the case for many children (and their parents) whose nights are interrupted by a sleep disorder.

It is generally accepted that from time to time in a child’s life there will be periods when a restful night’s sleep is not a given. For a child with a sleep disorder, those nights can become the norm rather than an occasional occurrence. One type of sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, is more common in children than one might think and can lead to a whole host of issues during the day for a child who is affected by this condition.

There has been plenty of information made available about obstructive sleep apnea in adults over the last 20 years or so, but rarely have we heard about children being affected with the disorder. About 2 percent of children have sleep apnea, which may not seem like a lot, but to put it into context, of the approximately 16,000 children (birth to age 18) in Livingston County, 320 could possibly have this disorder.

Children who are most at risk for this disorder are those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, skull and face abnormalities or those who are overweight.

In a report published in the August 2012 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that any child who snores on a regular basis be evaluated for sleep apnea. Symptoms of this sleep disorder can include:

• Frequent snoring
• Problems breathing during the night
• Sleepiness during the day
• Difficulty paying attention
• Behavior problems

In order to make a diagnosis of sleep apnea, usually an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram will be performed. Sensors are attached to the sleeping child to monitor breathing, oxygen levels and brain waves. This information can help the doctors determine whether sleep apnea is present.

If left untreated, complications that can arise from sleep apnea include cardiovascular problems, poor growth and developmental delays. Treatment often begins with the removal of the child’s tonsils and adenoids, as they are commonly enlarged in these children. This is an effective treatment and will often be all that is required for the child to be symptom free.

A second line of treatment is for the child to use a CPAP machine at night. This is a mask that delivers steady air pressure through the nose, keeping the airways open and allowing for more regular breathing. For children who are overweight, weight loss can improve the symptoms but a CPAP may be necessary until the excess weight is lost.

Getting proper sleep is imperative for a child to grow and develop as best they can. Any sleep disorder that interrupts or decreases the quality of their sleep is a problem worth tackling right away. Quiet nights and happy, thriving kids are things every parent hopes for as they navigate the joys and worries of raising children.

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Reasons Why Children Snore

This article discusses many reasons that could cause children to snore.

With school days upon us, a good night's sleep should be on the top of each child's list of supplies. But for some children, getting the rest they need means more than an early bedtime. At Clarity Allergy Center in Chicago, allergy, asthma, and immunology expert, Dr. Brian Rotskoff, is helping parents recognize the signs of childhood obstructive sleep apnea by carefully monitoring childhood snoring and childhood nasal allergies.

Many children snore from time to time, particularly if they have a cold or asthma. But as Dr. Rotskoff, a highly specialized pediatric nasal congestion and sleep apnea expert explains, "if your child is a restless sleeper who chronically snores and mouth breaths and shows signs of daytime difficulties, obstructive sleep apnea could be the cause." He also points out that the symptoms ofsleep apnea in kids can be subtler than those of adult sleep apnea.

Beyond restless nights, Dr. Rotskoff encourages parents who suspect their child may have obstructive sleep apnea to watch for these warning signs that can begin as early as 2-6 years of age.

Nighttime Sleep Apnea Symptoms

• Persistent snoring and mouth breathing
• Gasping or labored breathing
• Frequent bedwetting beyond normal age range
• Night sweats
• Unusual sleeping positions

Daytime Sleep Apnea Symptoms

• Allergies, asthma, or frequent ear infections
• Poor school performance or trouble focusing on tasks
• Behavioral or social problems
• Bad mood or constant agitation
• Depression or anxiety

Childhood Nasal Allergies and Asthma

It's highly common for children with sleep apnea to have other breathing issues. "Some children are just persistent snorers and don't necessarily have sleep apnea," acknowledges Dr. Rotskoff, "but compounding issues, such as enlarged tonsils and adenoids, can elevate to sleep apnea."

Dr. Rotskoff is one of few allergy and asthma experts to give childhood sleep apnea the attention it deserves. Even if your child is getting 10-12 hours of sleep each night, sleep apnea can cause enough disruption to affect mood, school performance, and overall behavior. "Studies show that middle school and high school kids with moderate to severe sleep apnea achieve lower grades and have greater trouble focusing or paying attention in class," he says.

If you think your child suffers from sleep apnea, Dr. Rotskoff suggests a thorough exploration of all symptoms and physical factors that could contribute to breathing problems. Beyond monitoring your child's tonsil and adenoid size, Dr. Rotskoff will evaluate their soft palate and uvula, tongue, jaw positioning, and nasal passages and airways. He works closely with parents to determine the most conservative and effective treatment.

"Addressing your child's sleep issues early will not only improve academic and social performance, it will also position them for healthy adult sleep habits," concludes Dr. Rotskoff.

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