(ARA) - Most parents agree that getting their kids adjusted to the
back-to-school schedule of early mornings and early bedtimes is just
plain tough. While parents have come to expect moans and groans from
their children while adjusting from the relaxed summer vacation schedule,
kids face sleep hurdles throughout the year.
Twenty-five
percent of children experience sleep disturbances and one-third have
at least one sleep problem that can lead to an inadequate night’s
rest. Furthermore, 21 percent of children model their parents’
sleep habits -- which is particularly scary considering that parents
average only 6.7 hours of sleep per night.
To
better understand the challenges kids face in getting a good night's
sleep, I recently spoke with Dr. Judith Owens, a pediatric sleep specialist
at Hasbro Children's Hospital of Rhode Island and a member of the
Select Comfort Sleep Advisory Board. Here is what Dr. Owens had to
say:
Q:
How much sleep do kids need?
A:
The amount of sleep needed by a given child varies, but there are
some age-appropriate guidelines.
-
Most
newborns sleep 16 to 20 hours in a 24-hour period, evenly distributed
across day and nighttime hours.
-
Between
two months and a year of age, most children need about nine to
12 hours of nighttime sleep with an additional two to four hours
in one or two naps during the day.
-
Elementary
school-age kids need 10 to 11 hours.
-
Teens
need almost as much sleep as their younger counterparts—about
nine hours— although they seldom get more than seven and
a half.
Q.
How can adults tell if a child is sleep deprived?
A:
First, take note of any obvious symptoms - children who have difficulty
waking in the morning and/or are cranky and irritable may not be getting
enough sleep. Yawning, complaints of fatigue and dozing during the
day, especially in elementary school children, are real red flags
for sleep deprivation. Other signs include habitually "sleeping
in" when given a chance on weekends or during school vacations.
Many
children do not display the classic signs of sleep deprivation, but
mood disturbances (irritability, whininess) and behavioral symptoms
(impulsiveness, hyperactivity, aggression) are often cues that the
child needs more sleep.
It
is important to note that many symptoms of insufficient sleep (inattention,
poor concentration, hyperactivity, impulsiveness) are very similar
to those of ADHD. All children in whom the diagnosis of ADHD is suspected
should be questioned about sleep patterns and other signs of sleep
problems like obstructive sleep apnea.
Q:
What are signs of more serious sleep disorders in children?
A:
Snoring, especially loud, nightly snoring, can be a sign of obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA) -- a serious breathing disorder that also occurs
in adults. Other symptoms include breathing pauses during sleep, choking/gasping,
very restless sleep, sweating at night, and daytime sleepiness. Large
tonsils and adenoids, being overweight and having a family history
of OSA are also risk factors. If untreated, OSA can result in behavioral
and learning problems, ADHD-like symptoms and school problems. Consult
your primary care doctor if you suspect your child has OSA.
Some
kids will resist bedtime every night. To help kids get excited about
sleep, create a bedroom that encourages children to enjoy sleep. “Remmy’s
Good Night” pillow, available at Select Comfort stores, has
a secret storage pouch for toys, stuffed animals or pajamas. Also
available from Select Comfort is The All Star Denim Bed designed just
for kids. The bed features a European Pillowtop mattress, as well
as a contemporary denim-colored fabric and star design.
One
of Dr. Judith Owens’ golden rules of sleep is establishing a
regular sleep schedule. “Creating a routine of increasingly
less stimulating activities will prepare children physically and psychologically
for sleep. Kids should avoid television, computer games and other
stimulating activities before bed."
Courtesy
of ARA Content
