It is difficult for the children to wake up early, especially if they have not slept adequately at night and their daytime naps and bedtime routines are inconsistent. Factors like parental separation, hunger, stress, sleep terrors, nightmares, excessive sugar intake, poor sleep habits in parents, iron deficiency, and medical conditions like neurological problems can cause sleep disorders in children. Certain medications and genetics are some of the other reasons for insomnia and sleep apnea. Getting enough sleep is essential to take care of physical and mental well-being. Otherwise, it can cause several problems, such as
- Facing difficulty while learning in class or during lesson time
- Decreased brain development
- Weakened immune system
- Increased mood swings and irritability
- Poor concentration during the day
- Undesired growth or academic outcomes
Why is Sleep So Important?
Sometimes, the peace comes from a good quality sleep. It is a basic human need to support
both physical and mental health. Otherwise, your life can become a mess. According to one study, REM and non-REM are two types of sleep patterns that occur in three to five cycles per night: REM is a rapid eye movement in which most dreams happen because your brain is active and your eyes move around in different directions. Non-Rem is a non-rapid eye movement sleep in which your muscles relax, brain activity and breathing slow, body temperature drops, and blood pressure drops. There are three stages of the cycle in Non-rem.
- Stage 1 lasts 5 to 10 minutes, in which you close your eyes, but the possibility is to wake up quickly.
- Stage 2 lasts 10 to 25 minutes, during which you get very light sleep, and your body temperature, heart rate, and breathing slow down.
- Stage 3 is when you get the deepest sleep. Non-REM sleep is important for building your muscles and bones. It also helps make your immune system and helps your body repair itself.
REM sleep is one of the most essential sleep patterns, helping with memory and learning. Getting enough REM sleep is necessary to avoid issues like trouble concentrating, feeling groggy in the morning, difficulty coping with emotions, and a weakened immune system.
Types of Sleep Disorders in Children
There are various types of sleep disorders experienced by your children. Some of the examples are given below:
1. Childhood Insomnia
Childhood insomnia happens when your child doesn’t get proper or no sleep for at least three days. The reason can be the desire to buy a favourite toy or eat a favourite food, any stress, or a need for a parent that doesn’t let your child sleep and cause childhood insomnia.
2. Hypersomnia
A child who has hypersomnia can feel sleepy during the day. Situations that can result in hypersomnia are a neurological condition, narcolepsy, a temporary loss of muscle control, daytime dozing, and hallucinations that don’t let your child with ease. To avoid such conditions, you must take your children to the best specialist and start their treatment as soon as possible.
3. Parasomnias
Parasomnias are experiences and physical events that occur unexpectedly and are very common during rapid and non-rapid eye movement sleep. In this condition, your child can suddenly get scared late at night, feel difficulty while moving the head, body, or limbs, and can walk while sleeping.
4. Movement Disorders
Situations like leg pain and a restless body can interrupt your child’s sleep.
5. Mental and Behavioral Disorders
Children with mental health problems or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can face sleep disturbance.
6. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Sleep teen or Delayed sleep phase syndrome is a biological clock or an exaggerated form of the normal shift in circadian rhythm that occurs in early adolescence or during late childhood. Children with this situation face difficulty waking up in the morning, and due to this, they sometimes don’t participate in school activities.
7. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea can occur in children with neuromuscular disorders, adenoids, or enlarged tonsils. These children can’t properly breathe during sleep because their muscles are weak, and they may have issues in their heads or faces.
How Much Sleep Does your Toddler Need?
Every child is different and their health conditions are also different. The requirement of sleep can vary according to the age group.
For example
- 0 to 3 months infants require 15 to 17 hours of sleep
- 4 to 12 months require around 12 to 16 hours of sleep
- 1 to 2 years toddlers require 11 to 14 hours
- 3 to 5 years can require 11 to 13 hours
- 6 to 13 years need 12 hours of maximum sleep
- 14 to 17 years also need 10 hours of maximum sleep.
Children who sleep late can miss school work, important activities, hobbies because their sleep cycle is not good and that’s why they can face sleep disorders faster.
