As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your child is to make sure that they get enough sleep every night. Sleep is essential for growth and development, as well as for overall health and well-being and this is particularly important in young children. As their brains develop and they are building new health and hygiene habits that they will take with them throughout their lives, proper sleep health is essential. However, some children struggle with pediatric sleep disorders which can make it difficult for them to get the rest they need.
Though sleep disorders are much less common in children than adults, kids may still experience many of the same common sleep disorders that we do. If your child or someone you know is struggling with maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying asleep throughout the night, or experiencing regular daytime drowsiness, they might be suffering from one of these sleep disorders. If you recognize any of these symptoms or signs in a child you are close to, it is important to seek medical help immediately, as some sleep disorders can be dangerous if left untreated.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects both children and adults. Children with insomnia have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. They may also wake up too early in the morning and be unable to go back to sleep. Insomnia can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions.
The first step in treating pediatric insomnia is to identify the underlying cause of the sleep problem. There are several different treatment options that your sleep medicine specialist might recommend depending on individual circumstances.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a child’s breathing is disrupted during sleep. This can lead to snoring, gasping for breath, and interrupted sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in children who are overweight or obese, but can also be caused by other factors such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Treatment for sleep apnea may involve lifestyle changes such as weight loss, surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids, or the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that affects both children and adults. Children with narcolepsy may experience sudden episodes of sleep during the day, and may also have trouble sleeping at night. Other symptoms of narcolepsy can include cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone), sleep paralysis, and vivid dreams or hallucinations. Treatment for narcolepsy typically involves medication and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and getting regular exercise.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless leg syndrome is a condition in which a child feels an uncontrollable urge to move their legs during periods of rest or inactivity, such as when they are trying to fall asleep. This can make it difficult for them to get to sleep and stay asleep. RLS is more common in older children and teenagers and may be related to other medical conditions such as iron deficiency anemia. Treatment for RLS may involve addressing the underlying medical condition, as well as lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal behaviors during sleep. Examples of parasomnias include sleepwalking, night terrors, and sleeptalking. These disorders can be unsettling for parents to witness but are usually not harmful to the child. Treatment for parasomnias may involve creating a safe sleep environment and addressing any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the sleep disturbance.
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is a condition in which a child’s natural sleep cycle is delayed by a few hours. This means that they may have trouble falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning, and may feel tired during the day. Treatment for DSPS may involve adjusting the child’s sleep schedule, such as gradually moving their bedtime earlier each night until they are going to bed at a more appropriate time.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is a common parasomnia that involves walking or performing other activities during sleep. Children who sleepwalk may be difficult to wake up, and may not remember the episode the next day. Sleepwalking can be dangerous if the child wanders into a dangerous situation, such as outside or near a pool.
Pediatric Sleep Disorder Treatment Options
Treating pediatric sleep disorders can be a complex process, as there are a number of factors that can contribute to any given sleep disturbance. The first step in treating any pediatric sleep disorder is to identify the underlying cause of the sleep problem. When you see your sleep medicine doctor discuss treatment plans, they will likely ask you dozens of questions about your child’s day-to-day life and habits. This is so that they can understand what factors may be contributing to the sleep issues. There are many ways to treat sleep disorders, but below are listed some common techniques used by sleep specialists.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of talk therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating pediatric sleep disorders. CBT helps children and their parents develop healthy sleep habits and routines and addresses any negative thoughts or behaviors that may be contributing to sleep disturbance.
Sleep Hygiene
Good sleep hygiene is important for all children, but especially for those with sleep disorders. This includes creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
Children are even more prone to bedtime distractions than adults are, which means setting up children’s bedrooms in a way that helps them avoid these issues is crucial. Things like noise and temperature control, avoiding blue light from cellphones, computers, and televisions, comfortable bedding, and muted decor colors can make a major difference in the quality of sleep a child is getting. It can be easy to fall into the trap of the “fun” bedroom decor but oftentimes these bold colors and graphic designs can make it difficult to fall asleep at night, even without anyone realizing it. Creating a bedtime routine and a relaxing space for sleep might do wonders in alleviating sleep disorder symptoms.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help a child with sleep disorders. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as some medications can have negative side effects and may not be appropriate for all children.
Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions
Many sleep disorder symptoms can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as ADHD or anxiety. Treating the underlying condition can help alleviate the sleep disturbance. Many sleep disorder specialists will refer you and your child to a specialist in whatever area they think the child needs help in before they go forward with treating the sleep-related symptoms in any aggressive way.
Lifestyle Changes
Making changes to a child’s lifestyle can also help improve their sleep. This includes things like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and limiting screen time before bed.
It’s important to note that treatment for pediatric sleep disorders should be individualized to each child, and should involve a team approach that includes parents, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals. With the right treatment and support, most children with sleep disorders are able to get the sleep they need to thrive.
Gingras Sleep Medicine
Sleep medicine specialists such as Dr. Jeanine Gingras at Gingras Sleep Medicine in Charlotte, NC will have the best solution for your continued wellness. Dr. Gingras is a highly accomplished, double-board-certified sleep medicine specialist who has been successfully treating patients for decades. She and her team of trained professionals will help you achieve a full, restful night’s sleep without compromising on your comfort.
Dr. Gingras’s state-of-the-art facility offers a testing center where she meets with patients and runs various tests to determine what they might be suffering from. After that, Dr. Gingras and her team will evaluate a patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, lifestyle, and preexisting health conditions to set a treatment plan that is fully customized to the patient’s needs.
For more resources on signs that you might have a sleep disorder or ways to create healthy sleep patterns, check out our blog or schedule a consultation with us today! Make your appointment now by visiting our website or calling us at (704) 944-0562.