Signs and Symptoms for Children
Sleep disorders in children can occur at any age and affect the entire family. Helping your child develop and maintain healthy sleep habits is important. Sleep promotes alertness, memory and performance which are essential to success in school. Well rested children function better and are less prone to behavioral problems.
Take a moment and consider if you've observed any of these signs of a pediatric sleep disorder in your child:
- Bedtime resistance or hyperactivity at bedtime
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Unusual nighttime awakenings
- Problems breathing or noisy breathing during sleep
- Snoring
- "Odd" sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep-talking or sleeping in strange or unusual positions
- Kicking during sleep
- Complaining of creepy, crawling feelings or discomfort in legs when resting
- Bedwetting
- Difficulty waking up
- Confusion upon awakening
Sometimes, the effects of childhood sleep disorders are displayed in a child's daytime behavior. Have you noticed your child exhibiting symptoms:
- Feeding difficulties
- Mouth breathing while awake
- Frequent upper respiratory problems
- Always being tired
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Learning problems
- Behavior problems resulting in school and social difficulties
- Depression
- Irritability or mood swings during the day
- Hyperactive behavior
- Difficulty keeping legs still
- Developmental delays
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children should be screened for snoring as part of a routine check-up. Studies show that 37% of children, kindergarten through fourth grade, suffer from at least one sleep-related problem. These may include:
Nightmares: These occur later in the night, during dream sleep, and are remembered the next day. They may often occur at times of transition, stress or change in routine. Encouraging discussion about the nightmare will assist in diffusing the negativity and fear about the event.
Sleep Terrors/Sleep Walking: These occur most frequently in children from 4-8 years of age. They happen earlier in the night, during deep sleep, and the child often does not remember them. Do not wake or comfort the child as it does not help and usually prolongs the event.
Sleep Apnea: With this disorder, the child's airway partially or fully closes during sleep. This makes it hard for air to get into and out of the lungs. Children may have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, weight problems and other medical problems that may contribute to this condition.
Narcolepsy: Children with this disorder experience excessive daytime sleepiness even when they get enough sleep. They may also have uncontrollable "sleep attacks."
Teenagers are also at risk. They need more sleep than adults and have irregular sleeping habits. Sleep experts say that changing sleep patterns are markers for this age group as adolescents' circadian rhythms change. They have difficulty falling asleep until late at night and are unable to get out of bed until later in the day. Teens lack of adequate sleep is further complicated by early school schedules, school activities, sports, social events and jobs. They arrive late to school, are drowsy or nap during class, and may even drive when drowsy.
If you suspect that your child has a sleep problem, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Treatment options may include a direct referral to the sleep lab or referral to a specialist for further evaluation.
Our pediatric sleep physicians work with healthcare providers specializing in pulmonology, neurology, otolaryngology (ENT) and psychiatry.
For all pediatric sleep studies, one parent is required to stay with children under 18 years of age through the entire night. Companion rooms are provided adjacent to the child's bedroom. The board-certified sleep specialist will analyze the data collected during testing and send a written report to your referring physician.
- Do you have a sleep disorder? Take the Sleep Assessment.
- Schedule an appointment today.