Sleep Disorders Can Affect Children

Many children suffer from sleep disorders that are not diagnosed as they should be, but rather that are attributed to other health issues such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In many cases, an unacknowledged sleep disorder may only serve to intensify another medical, social or behavioral situation.  According to Central Illinois sleep medicine experts, sleep disorders common among children are often not recognized by parents.

Medical Director of the Midwest Center for Sleep Medicine David Koh, M.D. said that 4 out of 10 kids between the ages of 9 and 12 have difficulty sleeping. Some children awaken from sleep at least 3 times a week.  Even younger children have some of the same sleep problems. Dr. Koh also cited that diagnostic tools developed within the field of Sleep Medicine have improved greatly in the last few years, which could help accommodate what Dr. Koh sees as a trend toward more children developing sleep disorders.

While tests such as sleep study are becoming more widespread and advanced, another sleep expert, Dr. Humam Farah from the OSF Critical Care, who is also Medical Director of the Sleep Center of Central Illinois, stated that some sleep disorders in children are not necessarily diagnosable. Only 4 percent of kids actually have actual sleep disorders, according to the doctor. He also said that obesity is one primary reason why there has been an increased prevalence of sleep disorders in children. In particular, fat in obese patients blocks respiration, resulting in a stoppage of nighttime breathing when the patient lies down to rest. This decreases blood-oxygen supply to the brain. The common sleep disorder is called obstructive sleep apnea.

Family genetics is also responsible for a condition called restless leg syndrome or RLS.  RLS stems from the brain which triggers uncontrolled movement of the legs.  The impulse is accompanied by uncomfortable feelings in the legs that can only be relieved by active physical leg movement. RLS keeps many children awake at night. When a parent suffers from RLS, there is a 16% better likelihood that his or her child will also have the condition. Dr. Koh mentioned that kids with RLS have also shown low iron levels. RLS is typically worsened by consumption of caffeine or chocolates.

Other noticeable consequences of sleep disorders include weight gain and bed-wetting. It is a natural thing when the body is lack sleep to desire consumption of fatty food, which increases body weight rapidly. Any increased stress on the cardiovascular system can also result in the production of more urinary waste. When this happens, bed-wetting may occur. Parents do not usually recognize that a child is suffering from a sleep disorder, and so this symptom typically gets left untreated. Other symptoms of sleep disorders in children are irritability, school performance problems and hyperactivity.

Dr. Koh added that it is usual for children with sleep disorders to also develop behavioral disorders. In studies ADHD and sleep problems are been well-supported. Dr. Koh said that about 3 in 10 ADHD patients will test positive for sleep disorders after undergoing a test called sleep study. After the sleep study prompts direct treatment of the children’s sleep disorders, nearly 50 percent of them are able to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Treatment plans started after sleep study include removal of overgrown tonsils and adenoids in children with sleep apnea. Other patients will be asked to use a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, mask. The CPAP machine supplies oxygen to the body through the mouth or nose during sleep. Another possible remedy is to get the child to lose weight if he or she needs it, or to take iron supplements. Below is a list of recommended hours of sleep per day necessary to improve symptoms of sleep disorders in children:

• Newborn babies need 16 to 18 hours of sleep.
• Those between 6 months to a year need about 14 hours.
• From age 1 to age 3, sleep must last almost 12 hours.
• Those who are of pre-school age must have 12 hours.
• Those from ages 5 to 13 need at least 9 to 10 hours.
• Adolescents need approximately 10 hours.

In addition, here are some tips the practice to help kids sleep better:

• Avoid stimulants like chocolates or soda before sleeping.
• Do not allow excessive play or eating 2 hours before bedtime.
• Set a bedtime schedule and follow this daily.
• TV watching or video games should not be allowed 2 hours before sleeping.
• There should be no electronics in the child’s bedroom.
• For children more than 6 months old, develop a routine and schedule for sleeping.
• Dim the lights if the child does not want to sleep in the dark.
• Do not tell the child to just to, “Go to sleep,” but encourage the child to relax and go to bed.

When it becomes obvious that a child is sleep-deprived, parents should seek medical attention by finding a certified sleep doctor who specializes in pediatric sleep disorders. The pediatrician will most likely recommend a sleep study that can diagnose and analyze any sleep problems present. After the assessment of the sleep disorders, treatment can be applied to relieve the child of any related symptoms and/or related maladies.