Can Children Develop Sleep Problems?
August 16, 2011 in Sleep Disorders
Yes. It may surprise parents to know that about 25% of children suffer from some form of sleeping problem. These problems can range from mild, like frequent awakenings, to severe, like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more common in children than most people think. About 2% to 3% of kids suffer from sleep apnea, but this number seems to be growing due to the increased incidence of childhood obesity.
Are certain children at greater risk of developing a sleep problem?
Yes. Children who are overweight are at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. About 13% of children are overweight. Unfortunately, this number continues to rise.
What symptoms should I look for in my child?
Sleep problems in children may often be overlooked or attributed to attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Parents should be aware of common symptoms of sleep problems in children (see below).
| Nighttime | Daytime |
| • Snoring | • Hyperactivity |
| • Breathing pauses during sleep | • Inattention |
| • Mouth breathing | • Behavioral disorders |
| • Difficulty getting up in the morning | • Sleepiness |
The National Sleep Foundation has recommended that parents consider BEARS.
- B = Bedtime – Does your child have a problem going to bed or falling asleep?
- E = Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Is your child difficult to wake up in the morning or sleepy during the day?
- A = Awakenings During the Night – Does your child wake up at night? Does he/she have trouble going back to sleep?
- R = Regularity and Duration of Sleep – Does your child go to bed about the same time on weekdays and weekends? How much sleep does your child get (or need)?
- S = Snoring – Dose your child snore? Is it loud? Does he/she stop breathing?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, then your child may have a sleep problem. Talk with your child’s doctor about your answers to BEARS.
