Sleep Disorders in Children
Children suffering from untreated sleep disorders may be hyperactive, inattentive
and chronically sleepy. Changes in behavior often result in academic underachievement
and social difficulties. Sleep disordered breathing affects up to 11% of school
aged children.
Recent research shows that untreated sleep disorders in children can lead to impaired
working memory, reduced levels of wakefulness, and symptoms much like that of Attention
Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our sleep experts are national leaders in
diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in children.
Snoring and Sleep Disordered Breathing
Children who regularly snore or have breathing interruptions during sleep often
exhibit behavioral problems such as sleepiness and hyperactivity. Sleep Disordered
Breathing (SDB) in children can range from snoring to severe sleep apnea.
Signs and symptoms of SDB in children include
- Daytime sleepiness
- Hyperactivity
- Attention problems
- Snoring or witnessed apneas
Apnea is a reoccurring episodic loss of breathing during sleep that can last many
seconds and cause drops in oxygen. Apnea in children is often caused by enlarged
tonsillar and adenoid tissue in the upper airway. It also may be caused by reduced
upper airway muscle tone and obesity, which may require therapeutic interventions
similar to those used in adults. Treatment resolves SDB and helps children get the
sleep they need for growth and development.
Multiple studies demonstrate that sleep loss in children results in impaired learning
and physical growth retardation. Growth hormone (GH), which is essential for body
and brain development, is most active during the deep stages of sleep. Studies of
children with SDB indicate that GH is often abnormally low and results in impaired
development.
Successful therapy for SDB has been shown to reverse this process by allowing children
return to healthy sleep. Diagnosis of SDB in children often requires specialized
sleep testing to accurately define therapy.
Restlessness and Kicking
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a very common condition affecting up to 10% of people.
It is typified by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs or an urge to move the
legs that gets worse in the evening and at rest, and can feel better with movement
or massage.
RLS occurs in families and often begins in childhood. Children with RLS may demonstrate
“growing pains”, kicking and excessive movement at night, as well as insomnia and
daytime behavioral problems. In fact, studies of children with ADHD indicate that
up to 40% also have RLS. In some cases, successful RLS therapy results in resolution
of ADHD as well.
Nocturnal Behaviors or Parasomnias
Sleep in children can be complicated by behaviors such as sleep terrors, sleep walking,
rhythmic movements and nightmares. These common conditions, referred to as parasomnias,
may signify an underlying sleep
disorder. Sleep-behaviors often run in families
and can range from mild arousals to violent outbursts that disturb an entire family's
sleep. Diagnostic testing is often indicated and treatment can range from safety
measures to medical interventions.
Insomnia
Children can experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep just like adults.
The causes are often multi-factorial and include conditioned behaviors, other medical
conditions, primary sleep disorders and psychological stress. Diagnostic testing
can be very useful and therapies are available to treat the causes of childhood
insomnia.