THE CAUSES

OF CHILDHOOD SLEEP ISSUES

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF YOUR CHILD’S PROBLEM

Solving your child’s sleep issues can prevent serious health issues and set them up for success. Childhood sleep problems can seriously impact your child’s development and their ability to succeed in school, as well as with friends.

Learn about the most common causes of sleep issues in children.

COMMON CAUSES OF SLEEP PROBLEMS FOR CHILDREN

ADD/ADHD

About one quarter to one-half of parents with children diagnosed with ADHD report that their children are suffering from sleep problems, too. Compared to kids without ADHD, children with ADHD are two to three times more prone to experience sleep problems.

These specific causes can lead to sleep problems from ADHD in children:

Interruptions with sleeping routines leading to bedtime resistance

Stimulants in some medications used to treat ADHD

Conditions such as anxiety and depression that coexist with ADHD.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, seek help from a sleep expert immediately for further diagnosis and treatment.>

Teeth Grinding

Most parents would like to hear their children breathing easily while they sleep. Yet there are many who hear their children grinding or gnashing their teeth, a common problem for kids. In fact, 38% of children experience bruxism or grind their teeth and clench their jaws while asleep.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, often happens when the child is already in a deep sleep or under stress, especially if your child is worrying about a test in school or changes in their school routine. In some cases, a child grinds their teeth when the top and bottom arches aren’t aligned properly.

When left undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can cause earaches, headaches, facial pain, jaw problems, and cracked teeth. If you believe your child has bruxism, schedule a dental check-up with a dentist who specializes in sleep disorders so they can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Allergies or Frequent Infections

Allergic rhinitis or airborne allergies are the most common allergy problems that can make your children feel miserable. They can result in a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing. Your child can also have chronic ear problems, itchy and watery eyes, and poor sleep because of allergic rhinitis.

Sleep problems are common in children with allergic rhinitis. Obstructive sleep apnea or multiple pauses in breathing while sleeping are also linked to allergic rhinitis. OSA can be caused by the nasal congestion that you get from allergy problems. Because of a stuffy nose, it can be harder for your child to breathe, which can lead to a sleep apnea episode.

Asthma Symptoms

Sleep Apnea

EFFECTIVE, GENTLE SLEEP TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN

RELATED

 JULIAN CENTER FOR

 EFFORTLESS SLEEP

           5012 Dorsey Hall Drive , Suite 205
           Ellicott City, MD 21042

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