Children can develop any of the sleep disorders
seen in adults, but often the symptoms are different. For example,
children with poor sleep at night often become hyperactive and
irritable during the day rather than sleepy.
The most severe sleep disorders seen in infants
under the age of six months is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The two most important ways to protect an infant from SIDS are:
Do not allow chronic cigarette smoking
in the household.
Infants under the age of six months should
be placed on their BACK to sleep.
Other sleep problems frequently seen in children
include insomnia, behavior problems at bedtime, obstructive
sleep apnea, sleep schedule problems, sleepwalking, and night
terrors. Adolescents and young adults are particularly prone to
developing Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, a problem in which the
young person can’t get to sleep at night (even if he or she
is very tired or sleep-deprived) and can’t get up on time
for school in the morning. Symptoms of narcolepsy
(a brain disorder that causes severe daytime sleepiness) typically
begin in childhood.
Childhood sleep problems can lead to:
Poor school performance
Learning problems
Attention problems
Behavior problems and family conflict
Developmental delays
Depression
Medical problems such as obesity, high
blood pressure, chronic headaches, and even heart problems
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
