Sleep Disorders In Children

All children will have the occasional nightmare or trouble getting to sleep. But for some kids, problems with sleep go beyond an occasion issue. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, doctors estimate up to 30 percent of children will develop a sleep disorder sometime during their childhood.

Causes Of Childhood Sleep Disorders

It is important to understand that normal sleep patterns vary in children, just as they vary in adults. Not every variation is normal sleep means a child has a sleep disorder. Sleep requirements also change as a child grows. For example, school-age children need on average between nine and 12 hours of sleep a night.

For instance, obesity can be a cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can also block the airway and cause sleep apnea in kids.

Neurological conditions may also lead to sleep disorders in some instances. For example, narcolepsy is thought to be due to the brain’s inability to regulate sleep wakes cycles. There may also be some surprising causes of sleep disorders in children. In children with restless leg syndrome, an iron deficiency is considered a possible cause.

In order to accurately diagnose a sleep disorder, a sleep study is usually performed. A sleep study can be a useful diagnostic test to determine which disorder a child has. But in some cases, a sleep study will not reveal any abnormalities even though symptoms of a sleep disorders are present. When this occurs, the sleep disruption is thought to be behavioral in nature.

Types Of Childhood Sleep Disorders

Several sleep disorders may affect children of all ages, from infants to teens. Some disorders are more common than others. Below are some possible sleep disorders that may occur in children.

Sleep Apnea: Although sleep apnea is much more common in adults, it can also occur in children. According to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, about one to ten percent of children have sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea in children should be treated to prevent complications.  

Narcolepsy: A small percentage of children suffer from narcolepsy. The exact cause of narcolepsy is not fully understood, but doctors believe it occurs due to a disruption within the brain that affects the sleep wake cycle. Children who have narcolepsy may develop excessive daytime sleepiness and trouble falling asleep at acceptable bedtimes. When narcolepsy occurs, it is most common in teens, as opposed to younger children. 

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: This sleep disorder is also sometimes called restless leg syndrome. Symptoms of periodic limb movement disorder include an uncomfortable feeling, usually in the legs, such as itchy or tingling.

See Also: Children's Brains Make Connections During Sleep, Study Says

Sleepwalking: Sleepwalking is one of the most common sleep disorders in children. Sleepwalking appears to run in families, but the reason it occurs is not known. Children may be more likely to sleepwalk when they are stressed or over tired. According to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, most children stop sleepwalking by their late teens. 

Sleep Disorders In Children Should Not Be Ignored

It is important for parents to understand sleep disorders in children can interfere with many areas of a child’s life.

In many cases, children can be successfully treated for sleep disorders.

Complications Of Sleep Disorders In Children

Sleep disorders can lead to a variety of complications in children. Since adequate sleep is essential for normal growth and development, sleep problems can lead to poor academic performance and behavior problems. Similar to adults who do not get proper sleep, children with sleep disruptions may be irritable, have memory problems, low energy and chronic tiredness.

Certain sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, may be especially difficult to deal with. Children with narcolepsy may suddenly develop overwhelming sleepiness and fall asleep without warning. The condition may be embarrassing and lead to problems with social development and peer interactions. In some cases, it limits an older teen’s ability to reach certain development milestones, such as driving.

That is not the only complication of sleep apnea in children. According to the American Asleep Apnea Association, research studies have indicated that about a quarter of children who have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may have symptoms, which can be attributed to sleep apnea instead. In addition, metabolic and hormone problems, along with growth issues can also develop in children with sleep apnea.

Sleep Disorder Treatment In Children

The first step in treating sleep disorders in children is getting an accurate diagnosis. Along with a review of symptoms, a sleep study is also recommended. A sleep study involves monitoring a child while they sleep. The child’s heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen level are measured. Eye movements and brain activity are also monitored. Once a diagnosis is made, the most effective treatment can be implemented. The type of treatment recommended depends on the specific disorder, age of the child and other underlying medical conditions or health issues. 

Certain sleep disorders may be treated with medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and central nervous system stimulants. In the case of restless leg syndrome, iron supplements may be the recommended treatment. When prescribing medication for children who are still developing, it is essential to weigh the side effects with the benefits.

In other cases, medication will not treat the condition. For example, sleep apnea may be treated by surgery to remove large tonsils, which are blocking the airway. In addition, treatment may also include wearing a CPAP device while sleeping. CPAP delivers pressure to the airways to prevent obstruction. 

For instance, sleepwalking does not usually cause any health issues and normally does not require treatment. But parents should consider making sure their doors are locked in order to prevent their child from leaving the house during a sleepwalking episode. 

See Also: Childhood Memory: An Enigma Science Is Beginning To Solve

Lifestyle changes including developing good sleep habits, such as encouraging a regular bedtime, may help treat certain sleep disruptions. Limiting caffeinated beverages including soda may also help children with sleep problems.