Children need good sleep and quality sleep in order to stay strong and active. Sleep problems affect children, whatever their age, from infancy through adolescence. Quality sleep is vital to ensure good physical and psychological development.
The consequences can trigger consequences such as:
- tiredness and fatigue
- Moodiness or irritability
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Behavioral problems
- Memory, concentration and attention problems
- Poor academic performance
Everyone has experienced sleep problems at one time or another, but if it becomes recurrent and begins to affect a child’s health, that’s when the term “insomnia” or “sleep disorder” comes into use.
Causes of sleep disorders in children
Factors may vary from child to child:
- Stress or anxiety
- Social, school or family problems
- Symptoms or illnesses: fever, pain, respiratory problems, infections, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autistic spectrum
- Medication for ADHD treatment
- Going through a period of transition (moving, separation, new school…)
- Instability
- Acquired bad habits
But it will also vary according to the nature, severity, recurrence, causes and consequences. First of all, the causes must be identified and a tailored treatment must be provided. The most beneficial strategies to remedy a sleep problem are to change habits, behaviors or the environment.
Tips for parents
- Create an environment conducive to sleep.
- Avoid bright lights and adjust the temperature in your child’s bedroom.
- Make sure the mattress, pillow and sheets are comfortable.
- Keep noise to a minimum at bedtime.
- Remove from sight objects that could distract your child (cell phone, computer, console…).
- Choose well your child’s activities before bedtime and avoid stimuli such as:
- Physical activities
- Excessive intellectual effort
- Entertainment and technology
- Exciting and caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid large meals at dinner
- Read pleasant stories to your child or encourage him/her to read on his/her own.
- Maintain a consistent sleep routine: bath, oral hygiene, story time, etc.