Are Sleep Disorders Common in Children?
There are a number of pediatric sleep disorders that are common in children. Some of these sleep disorders will be outgrown as the child ages, but others require intervention and treatment.
How Do I Know If My Child Has a Sleep Disorder?
All children have the occasional restless night, nightmare, or a patch of difficulty sleeping. But when sleep issues become chronic, dangerous to the child, or interrupt your child’s health, it may be time to make an appointment to see Dr. Malhotra, is a trusted sleep specialist in Connecticut, to diagnose the sleep disorder and determine a course of action.
Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Disorders
As a parent, you may recognize that something is “off” simply because of the disrupted sleep during the night, but there are symptoms to be aware of. If your child is exhibiting behavioral problems, like irritability or hyperactivity, or if you notice their grades slipping or the teacher mentions they are struggling to stay awake or concentrate, these symptoms may point to a sleep disorder. Another symptom may be that your child is sleeping more or less than they should based on their age:
- 4 months-1 year: 14-15 hours of sleep
- 1-3 years: 12-14 hours of sleep
- 4-6 years: 11-12 hours of sleep
- 7-12 years: 9-12 hours of sleep
- 13-18 years: 7-10 hours of sleep
How Are Pediatric Sleep Disorders Treated?
How a sleep disorder is treated depends on the sleep disorder diagnosed. The most common pediatric sleep disorders include:
- Night terrors
- Sleep talking
- Confusional arousals
- Sleep Apnea
- Pediatric Restless Leg Syndrome
Depending on the diagnosis, behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication may be required. Sleep apnea may require the use of a CPAP or CPAP alternative.
If you believe your child may be suffering from a pediatric sleep disorder, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition. Dr. Malhotra is a trusted sleep specialist in CT, who is known for diagnosing and treating all kinds of sleep disorders in children. Call (203) 653-3519 today, or schedule an appointment using this form.