Why is sleep important for children?
Good sleep is imperative for children, from newborn infants to adolescents. Many studies show that sleep is important for brain development and the lack of proper sleep may contribute to behavioral or developmental problems, as well as anxiety.
How much sleep should my child be getting?
The pediatric sleep specialists at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center recommend the following sleep schedule for children:
- Infants (3 to 11 months): 14 to 15 hours
- Toddlers: 12 to 14 hours
- Preschoolers: 11 to 13 hours
- School-age children: 10 to 11 hours
While every child has unique circumstances and some may require a little more or a little less sleep, these guidelines provide a recommended starting point.
What are the most common pediatric sleep disorders?
There are many disorders that can interfere with your child’s sleep, but the most common include:
- Sleep apnea
- Behavioral insomnia
- Sleep-related movement disorders, such as restless leg syndrome
- Parasomnias, such as sleepwalking or talking and night terrors
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Limit-setting sleep disorder
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it gives you an idea of the breadth and scope of the many problems that can leave your child sleep-deprived.
What are the signs of a pediatric sleep disorder?
The symptoms of sleep problems vary depending upon the underlying cause, but there are a few warning flags you should be on the lookout for, including:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Behavioral problems
- Frequently getting up at night
- Snoring
- Bed wetting
- Trouble falling asleep
You know your child best, so if you notice a change in their sleep patterns or energy levels, seek the counsel of one of the pediatric sleep specialists at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center.
How are pediatric sleep disorders diagnosed and treated?
Because of the number of sleep disorders that can affect children, there are many ways the pediatric sleep specialists at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center approach the problem. Typically, they perform a thorough review of their health, as well as their symptoms, and then turn to testing techniques, such as a polysomnography and/or an actigraphy.
From there, they recommend a treatment plan that best addresses the cause of your child’s sleeplessness.
To help your child get the sleep they need, call Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center or request a consultation using the online scheduler.
