Only a parent would understand what it feels to see their child in ill health. While you can easily diagnose common health issues, sleep disorders are very difficult to identify until and unless you closely observe the patterns. It might be trouble sleeping, waking up in the middle of the night, bed wetting, etc. According to studies, 30% of children do suffer sleep disorders! This makes it even more important for you to look out for these signs in your child which point to sleep disorder in children.
Indications of Sleep Disorders In Kids
1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
Excessive daytime sleepiness is a highly common symptom of sleep disorder. While this is okay sometimes and may occur due to tiredness but if you see your child in sleepy position frequently, it is alarming.
If your kid takes multiple naps in a day, he/she is a patient of EDS.
2. Nightmares
Just like you get nightmares, children do too. Your kid may suddenly wake up terrified and afraid and may not be able to get back to sleep after that. Occasional nightmares in children are common but if they become frequent, it might be a sign of sleep disorder. This may affect your child’s sleep and may even lead to other health issues.
3. Insomnia
If your child finds it difficult to sleep, he/she may be dealing with insomnia. They might be stressed for some reason which is why they can’t sleep properly. If you see them waking up for long hours, talk to them and ask if anything is bothering them.
4. Snoring
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Snoring isn’t harmful but this may also occur due to blockage in the lungs. It may trigger sleep disorder. Nasal congestion, Respiratory infection, enlarged tonsils are the most common causes of snoring in kids. However, in the rarest of cases, daily snoring may be due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). About 3% kids have OSA.
5. Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors are tow different things. While nightmares make a child wake up from sleep, night terrors aren’t as frightening to kids. In an episode of night terror, the child would suddenly wake up and scream or cry or anything like that. During a night terror, they may also suffer rapid breathing, sweating, muscle tension, etc. Although only 1 out of 5 children wake during a night terror.
6. Bedwetting
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Bedwetting is a common issue with children under 5 years and it isn’t a really serious problem. But if your child wets the bed for more than 3-4 times a week, it might signal towards a sleep disorder.
7. Sleep Walking
If you ever see your child walking in the middle of the night in half asleep state, you need to check with them. They may even utter something while walking. Once in a while it id okay but if it occur frequently, you must consult a pediatrician.
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