Pediatric sleep disorders

Children of all ages require adequate rest to grow and develop properly. Unfortunately, due to sleep disorders, some children are unable to get the restorative rest that they require. Pediatric sleep disorders are common and can disrupt a child’s overall health if left untreated. Common pediatric sleep disorders include insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, parasomnias, and restless leg syndrome. Insomnia consists of difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or unrefreshing sleep. It can often be a side effect of medical or psychiatric disorders, or stress-related events that are interfering with a child’s daily functioning. Excessive daytime sleepiness is characterized by excessive levels of drowsiness, fatigue, or inability to concentrate during the day, due to not getting enough restful sleep. Parasomnias involve disruptive sleep behaviors such as sleep walking, nightmares, bruxism (teeth grinding), or sleep talking. Restless leg syndrome is a neurological condition defined by sensations of discomfort or tension in the legs, leading to an urge to move them in order to reduce the sensation. If a child is having difficulty sleeping, it’s important to have them evaluated by a medical professional. After a full medical evaluation, the physician may recommend lifestyle changes or treatments that can help the child’s sleep issues. These may include improving bedtime routines, medications, or therapy. In summary, pediatric sleep disorders are more common than many parents may think. If a child is having difficulty sleeping, it is important to have them evaluated and treated by a medical professional. With the right treatment, the child can have improved sleep quality, and in turn improved overall health.