Many parents do not realize that there are a number of child sleep disorders that their children can suffer from. These sleep complications can be mild to severe. They can last a short amount of time to an extended amount of time. As a parent, it is important that you take the time to learn about the various types of child sleep disorders. Here, you will receive a breakdown on these various conditions.
Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea is a condition that many children suffer from. This condition occurs when a child actually quits breathing in their sleep. Many medical professionals state that this child sleep disorder can result in a number of devastating consequences. The child may suffer from behavioral issues and issues as far as the attention span is concerned. The child may begin to lose weight and suffer from a lack of energy and alertness during the daytime hours. Symptoms of this particular child sleep disorder include:
o Snoring
o Trouble falling asleep
o Trouble staying asleep
o Lack of energy
o Breathing through the mouth consistently
Sleepwalking:
Many children suffer from the condition of sleepwalking. When children sleep, they normally fall into deep trances. When sleepwalking occurs, the eyes are normally opened and the child can see items around them. However, they may easily confuse the items that they see. For example, if they see a window, the brain may interpret it as a door. The child may then attempt to "open" the "door", when, in fact, they are opening a window. Symptoms of sleepwalking include:
o Seeming as if they are not comprehending if you speak to them
o Open eyes, dazed look
o Easily manipulated while sleepwalking
o Generally, the child does not talk
o Falling asleep in odd locations around the home, and not remembering how they got there
Night Terrors:
Night terrors are considered to be one of the most common of child sleep disorders. This condition occurs when a child is deeply asleep. Children will normally experience a very scary episode that puts them in jeopardy of disturbing individuals near them. Parents should simply remain calm and not encourage the child to engage in conversation about the issue. There are many symptoms associated with this particular child sleep disorder:
o The child may scream while sleeping, and then fall back to sleep
o Many children may scream and actually run from the bed
o Children are normally unresponsive to conversation
o If they are awaken, they may become irritated
o Generally, these episodes are not remembered
Nightmares:
Nightmares are very common. While these sleep disturbances are normally not considered "disorders" in the medical sense, they can become very disturbing to a young child. These occurrences can be extremely difficult for the child to deal with. Many children are so young that they are unable to tell the difference between what is real, and what is not. This is because nightmares often instill a sense of realism because they invoke so many different emotions. Parents should simply comfort the child and engage in activities that may help make the child comfortable. Placing a nightlight in the room can be a great way to comfort a child.
As you can see, there are a number of sleep disturbances and disorders that a child may suffer from. As a parent, you should learn as much as you possibly can about these situations so that you know and understand the best approach when they are experienced. If these conditions become extremely troublesome, you should inform the pediatrician that cares for your child.
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