Pediatric sleep disorders affect children of all ages. They vary in symptoms and severity. The consequences of a sleep disorder in children can include a decrease in school performance, anxiety, irritability and behavior problems. Some children outgrow the problem. In the mean time, certain disorders can be treated and changes in sleep habits may also help.
Types
There are several types of pediatric sleep disorders. Many of the disorders are similar to adult sleep problems. One of the more common sleep disorders in children of all ages, including infants, is sleep apnea. Sleep terrors are also relatively common, especially in young children. Sleepwalking and insomnia also affect children.
The frequency of sleep disturbances varies greatly. Some children experience sleep problems frequently, others may only have an occasional problem.
Causes
There are a variety of causes for pediatric sleep disorders, though the cause of all disorders is not known. In obstructive sleep apnea, the child's airway is partially blocked, often from large tonsils or other physical abnormalities. The exact cause of night terrors is not known, however certain factors appear to contribute to the disorder, such as sleep deprivation. Other factors that may contribute to pediatric sleep disorders include poor sleep habits, certain medications, such as steroids, and emotional problems.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely, depending on what disorder the child has. For instance, symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring and short periods of cessation of breathing. Older children may complain of morning headaches and sleepiness. Symptoms of sleep terrors include, sudden extreme fear while sleeping and the child having rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Children may wake up screaming and not remember the event.
Diagnosis
Get your child a complete exam by a physician exam. The doctor may find a structural abnormality, which may be causing an obstruction in the airway. A sleep study, called a polysomnogram, may also be performed. Sleep studies are done by monitoring a child's brain waves, behavior, pulse, respiration, oxygen level and heart rate as the child sleeps. Physicians then interpret the study, which helps confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on the particular disorder. Surgery may be recommend to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Some sleep disorders don't have specific treatments, however making certain adjustments in a child's sleep schedule may help. Night terrors may occur if a child is overly tired, so one treatment is having the child go to bed a little earlier and increase the amount sleep a child gets.
Tags: sleep apnea, pediatric sleep, pediatric sleep disorders, sleep disorders, sleep disorders, affect children