Introduction:
Children are more prone to develop sleep disorders because
they are innocent and sensitive. They
notice the small things happening in front of them and take the things
seriously. So, the chances of developing sleep problems in children are more
than the adult. As you know, the children need more sleep hours than the
adults. At least nine hours deep sleep is required for a child to nourish and
grow smoothly.
The adverse effects
of sleep problems in children:
Sleep deficit leaves different types of adverse effects on
your baby. The sleep disorders do not only affect the mental health of your
child, but it also generates general health problems. The outcomes of sleeping
problems in children vary from child to child. Here I have highlighted some
common issues your kid may face due to sleep problems.
Ø
The loss of appetite is the very first effects
of sleep disorder in your child. Even, he/she will refuse to eat his/her
favorite foods. If your child does not take an interest in food, the reason
might be the sleep deficit. So, you must monitor his/her sleep hours.
Ø
Although, the loss of appetite is the common
symptom of sleep problems in children; however, in some cases, overeating has
been noted. The child relies more on foods and eats more than the usual.
Overeating also leaves adverse effects on the child health. Along with sleeping
problems, the child also suffers from frequent diarrhea and indigestion.
Ø
The second effect of the sleep problems in
children is the impairment of general health. You may also note generalized
weakness and loss of body weight. The weakness and reduced body weight are the
outcome of less food in taking caused by sleep disorders.
Ø
The sleep deficit also causes behavioral changes
in the child. The child does not take interests in games and outdoor
activities. The irritating attitude has also been noted in the kids suffering
from the sleep deficit.
Ø
The sleeping problem is children also disturb
the studies and school activities. If your child does not sleep well, his/her
performance in studies can severely be affected. He will show little or no
interest in reading and writing.
Ø
The main effect of sleep deficit in children is
the slow down of reaction and response time. Due to this issue, the child faces
lots of problems while walking running and playing. The slow response time
increases the rate of accidents and injuries.
Reason for developing
sleep problems in children
Most of the ideas for developing sleep disorders in children
are associated with the negligence of parents. If you take proper care of your
baby, most of the sleep problems can be eliminated. However, still, there are
some causes which are unavoidable. Appropriate treatment can be helpful for the
restoration of healthy sleep. Here are some common reasons leading to sleep
problems in children.
v
The night mare and sleepwalking are the common
causes of sleep disorders in children. The main reason behind the nightmare is
to watching horror scenes and to listening horror stories. The child feels
fears of going to bed. The sleepwalking is also a serious issue. Usually, the
sleepwalking problem occurs in deep sleep phase when baby dreams.
v
The snoring also causes sleep problems in
children. The hearing sense of children is more active than the adults. A
little sound near the ears makes the child awake. Therefore, the snoring cause
sleep disturbance; however, it happens in rare cases.
v
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
is one of the most critical sleep problems in children. The ADHD makes it
difficult for the child to pay attention to real things. Moreover, the child
cannot control impulsive behavior. Although, ADHD is a broad topic the sleep
disorder is one of the symptoms associated with this issue.
v
The room environment is also a factor that may
cause sleep problems in children. The noise makes the child awake frequently.
Moreover, the uncomfortable bedding also causes disturbance in sleep.
v
The timing does matter the most in the sleep
problems. Usually, the parents do not observe the proper sleep schedule and
make the child awake along with them. This irregularity in the timing impact
the sleep hours of the child which further cause sleep disorders.
Tips to minimize sleep
problems in children
After reading the adverse effects of sleep on the child’s
health, it becomes imperative to control the sleep problems. You can control
many health issues by maintaining the proper sleep. Here are some useful tips
that may help you to improve the child’s sleep.
Ø
The sleep issues related to nightmare are common
among the children of 5 year age. To minimize the nightmares, make the child
watch cartoons and fairy tales. Allow the children to read character building
story books.
Ø
Although, the snoring issue is rare for the
kids. Usually, the cause is improper sleep posture. Training the baby to lay in
the lateral position is helpful to improve sleep. Sleeping in the supine
position is the common reason behind snoring.
Ø
The kids suffering from any disease causing
sleep disturbance must be considered as serious. ADHD, insomnia and sleep apnea
severely affects the child’s health. If you note any sign of illness, consult
the physician without delay.
Ø
The calm environment and comfortable bedding
allow the baby to go asleep very fast. But many parents do not know the
standards of quiet environment and comfortable bedding. A 5-year-old child
needs at least 9 hours sleep in 24 hours. If your child cannot sleep for 9
hours, you must check for the environment and bedding. Another reason for the
disturbance in sleep is night wetting. The use of soak able nappies can be
helpful to keep the bedding dry.
Ø
The room temperature is also very important for
good sleep. Make sure that room temperature is ideal for living conditions.
Light and illumination also cause the disturbance in the sleep. Before, going
to bed put all the room lights off.
Ø
Observance of bedtime is very supportive to
improve the sleep of your child. The child sleeps well during the night as
compared to the day. Allow most of the sleeping hours in the night.
Ø
Keep the television, cell phone, play station,
computer and everything else which your baby out of baby’s bedroom.
Ø
The heavy meals cause high body temperature due
to metabolic process. So, avoid heavy meals just before bedtime.
Ø
The foods containing caffeine cause sleep
problems in children when given close to bedtime. However, if necessary, give
such foods in the early daytime.
