On average, children need a minimum of nine hours of restorative sleep daily as statistics define that common sleeping disorder in children is increasing day by day. A lack of sleep harms the children’s performance throughout the day. Sometimes sleep disorders become pretty severe and can cause several other problems such as accidents, behavioral issues, lack of concentration at school, mood swings, and even eating disorders. There are some effective ways and home remedies that could be adopted for improving and enhancing the quality of your child’s sleep. However, it is important to know and identify common sleep disorders.
Identifying Common Sleeping Disorder In Children
There are specific symptoms that act as sleep disorder indicators and can help you in identifying whether your child is suffering from a sleep disorder or not? Although it takes some time to put a child to sleep, it doesn’t mean that your child is necessarily suffering from a sleep disorder. The following indicators can help you in identifying sleep disorder in your child:
- If your child has trouble falling asleep every night and lies in bed or takes many trips to the bathroom or water breaks during the night.
- If your child has a habit of snoring loudly during the night.
- If your child is unable to sleep for longer than 90 minutes at a time, even at night time.
- If your child experiences itchy legs at night.
You could also identify sleep disorders by knowing the natural sleep pattern of children age-wise and their cure:
- Sleep patterns from zero to 3 months old
For an infant, deep sleep is highly essential for proper growth and development. Babies from zero to 3 months old keep falling asleep after every two hours.
Sleeping Disorder In ChildrenBabies need approximately 14 to 17 hours of sleep distributed in 4 to 6 naps, or even more.
- Sleep patterns from 3 months to 6 months old
At six months, babies tend to sleep through the day and stay awake for more extended periods. Babies from 3 months to 6 months old need 12 hours to 15 hours of sleep daily. Now they develop a pattern and sleep routine at this age.
- Sleep patterns beyond one year
Toddlers need from 10 to 12 hours of sleep daily. They are more consistent in their sleep and sleep through the night. In addition, they need two shorter naps throughout the day. As they grow, these naps can wane, and the duration of their sleep requirement also shortens.
How to Cure these Disorders?
There are various ways of curing these disorders. A healthy diet is important to maintain a healthy sleep routine. Your child might be lacking some essential minerals in the body. For example, melatonin plays a vital role in inducing sleep by signaling the brain. If you suspect your child is deficient in natural melatonin production, you can ask a nutritionist and start giving melatonin supplements to your child. Melatonin gummies for kids by reliable brands like Gummies Garden, Natrol Kids, Luna Kids, Zarbee’s, etc., are effective to induce deep sleep and children love to eat them because of their candy-like taste.
Sleeping Disorder In ChildrenDoctors also suggest the following tips to have a better sleep:
- Encourage an active lifestyle
- Keep their bedrooms comfortable
- Avoid screens before bedtime
- Avoid napping in the day
- Try to maintain regular sleep times.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Following are common sleep disorders and their symptoms.
1. Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a child stops breathing during sleep for ten seconds or more. Children are often unaware of this condition. If your child sleeps with his mouth open, snores loudly, or is tired and sleepy even during the day regularly, you should immediately consult a doctor. Sleep Apnea causes many health and behavioral issues in children. Children experience frequent mood swings and crankiness. Physical problems may even include deteriorating heart health.
2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
RLS or Restless Leg Syndrome starts in childhood, and if not treated, can go with a child into adulthood. RLS is a condition where a child complains of wiggles on their legs, especially feet. These wiggles are like the sensation of bug crawling and can be very uncomfortable. Children experiencing RLS keep changing their position and sleep poorly. Restless Leg Syndrome can be treated in many ways. Using vitamin supplements and medications can help in easing Restless Leg Syndrome. It is advisable to consult your doctor for a professional recommendation if your child is experiencing Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
Restless Leg Syndrome3. Nighttime Terrors
Nighttime terrors are a step further than nightmares. These can affect both children and adults. However, children are more likely to develop them. This is when a person suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night and is petrified. Often children start yelling or throwing tantrums. If they aren’t fully awake, they may even sleepwalk. Usually, children do not remember sleepwalking later when they wake up. Usually, Night terrors occur after the child has been asleep for ninety minutes.
Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for night terrors. However, keeping a soothing night light on and making the child’s bedroom a cozy and comfortable place filled with things that a child recognizes and resonates with can help keep night terrors to a minimum. Also, teaching them to meditate for a short time before sleep can help as meditation relaxes stress.
Also read- Excessive Sleeping During Pregnancy
