Children and Sleep Problems

Children, adolescents and young adults can have sleep problems just like adults. In order to help you evaluate whether or not a young person has a sleeping problem or disorder, you should consider the following warning signs:

• If you notice a lot of daytime sleepiness or lethargy you should take note. Often described as excessive daytime sleepiness or EDS, regular and excessive sleepiness during the day is a warning sign. 
• Constant complaints about not being able to sleep. Although many factors can create diffciulty sleeping in younger people, it is not common for this to be long term. 
• Sleep Walking can be a common occurrence in children. Prolonged episodes of sleep walking can be dangerous and should be evaluated.

Sleep problems and disorders in children and young people can often be mis-diagnosed as behavioral issues. If you have a child that is constantly complaining about sleep related problems, make sure that you take him or her to see their pediatrician for a thorough medical examination.

In children who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or a sleep disorder there are many different treatment options.

• They may need to have tonsils and/or adenoids removed
• CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure therapy 
• Diet & Exercise 
• Dental mouthpiece appliance

Contact Hawkeye Sleep Center for a meeting to evaluate the extent of our child's sleeping issues or concerns.