A few days ago I talked about the importance of sleeping well for the development of children, and I anticipated that we would expand the information with a review of sleep disorders. It is important to know that When these disorders are maintained from childhood, children may suffer health problems, it is also possible that behavioral alterations are manifested (you are more easily detectable).
From Pediatric Zone he tells us that 'Although there are characteristic sleep patterns for each stage of child development, we must not forget that each child has their individuality regarding sleep'. Starting with habits (more or less sleepy ... 'mine are the last'), and ending with the way of sleeping (more or less quiet).
Another thing is that the normal alterations of children's sleep significantly affect the course of the evolutionary development of children: it is when we talk about sleep disorders, and they are situations that affect the whole family
Sleep disorders (more frequent) in childhood:
- Restless sleep, it is usually manifested by isolated or combined reactions such as bed breaks, turns, screams, grinding of teeth, ease of waking up, difficulty falling asleep again and sleeping sicknesses (talking asleep).
Between the ages of 3 and 6, the causes can be emotional: very demanding behavior patterns, changes of address and school, family conflicts, fears, significant losses (family, friendship, pet) and others.
Insomnia: It refers to the chronic inability to sleep. It is considered insomnia, when the hours of sleep are frequently less than those considered normal for their age, and it is also accompanied by restlessness, irritability, discomfort and discomfort of the child during the day. True insomnia is rare in children.
Night terror: is a quite frequent reason for consultation, because of the dramatic episode it produces great anguish in the parents. Neurological immaturity can be a trigger for this entity.
It usually appears in children four to 10 years old, in which there are repeated episodes of sudden awakening with a cry of anguish, an hour or three after sleeping. The behavior is accompanied by an expression of terror, staring, complaints and difficulties to be awakened. Normally the little ones do not remember this episode.
Two years ago, Dr. Pin (from the Valencian Sleep Unit of the Quirón clinic) warned from the pages of the AEPED: in the face of the continued presence of sleep disturbances, a visit to the pediatrician is recommended “if the parents observe a greater irritability , changes in character, or episodes are repeated more frequently especially at ages when it is no longer common "
- Nightmares: they materialize in reactions that have to do with the anxiety associated with frightening dreams.
In nightmares, the child wakes up somewhat confused, crying, but recognizes the people around him and usually calms down with this company, the next day he is able to relate his "bad dream". They are more frequent in children over 5 years.
- Somnambulism: the various studies have not shown true associated psychopathology, anxiety levels only. Its frequency is low, between 1 and 6% of the general population has been reported, occurs in children over 7 years.
In addition, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics relates other types of sleep disorders in the childhood stage such as Narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, enuresis or confusional awakenings.
Help fall asleep and solve problems.
The child from 3 to 6 years can sleep through the night and even take a short nap in the afternoon. In this stage the so-called "night fears" occur, to the dark, to the monsters, to the noises, to the ghosts, etc. Between 6 and 8 years old, normally the child sleeps all night, may have dreams and nightmares that he usually does not remember
Despite this statement there may be individual variations because each child is different, but parents can always help fall asleep reading them a story, giving them a relaxing bath, whispering beautiful words in their ears, stroking their hair, or massaging their feet.
And when we suspect or have confirmation of a sleep disorder, it is convenient consult with your pediatrician, who will rule out any organic cause that causes such alteration, and will give appropriate and timely guidance to handle the situation.
What seems at least confirmed from pediatric institutions is a increase in disorganization of family habits that leads to inadequate sleep patterns in children. According to the AEPED The deficit of sleep that children suffer in today's society is causing in recent years an increase in the prevalence of sleep disorders in children.
