Sleep Healthy

Making the Grade

When we think of the ways we can help our kids succeed in school, extra study time and tutors tend to come to mind. But as you prepare to send your child back to the classroom, take a moment and ask yourself: How well is he sleeping?

The connection between As and Zzzs may not seem so obvious. However, research has found that kids who don’t get adequate amounts of quality sleep are more likely to be inattentive, hyperactive, uncooperative and easily distracted as compared to their well-rested peers. And not surprising, they’re more likely to struggle academically, too.

If you have a sleepyhead on your hands, you’ve got company – according to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation is a major issue with today’s youth. Hectic schedules and technology (TV, video games) are often to blame, and more than two-thirds of kids actually experience at least one sleep problem – such as sleep apnea – a few nights a week (or more).

Not sure if your child’s clocking enough sleep?  Kids age five to twelve need 10 to 11 hours of solid sleep consistently each night, and your little one will likely exhibit telling signs if he’s being regularly shortchanged. Keep an eye out for things like:

• Having a hard time getting up in the morning; fussiness in the afternoon
• Aggressive or impatient behavior
• Inability to focus on homework

Then, grade yourself on the things you can be doing to ensure regular, quality shuteye for your child. Make any necessary adjustments so you can send him off to school this year ready to make it to the head of the class:

• Replace your child’s mattress if it is 7 or more years old.
• Maintain a consistent bedtime schedule and routine.
• Keep his bedroom dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature (on the cooler side).
• Remove any TVs or computers from the bedroom.
• If you think your child could suffer from a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, see the pediatrician.

Symptoms of Insomnia in Children

When someone has trouble falling or staying asleep, that person is considered to have insomnia. This is different than choosing to go to bed late and not getting enough rest. Insomnia is the inability of a child – or an adult – to be able to get adequate sleep after they’ve gone to bed.  Symptoms of insomnia in your child can include:

• Irregular/unpredictable mood; irritability
• Aggressive behavior
• Decreased attention; memory issues
• Depressed mood
• Hyperactivity

If you suspect that your child is struggling with insomnia, see your pediatrician.

Information on this site is not intended to serve as a means of medical diagnosis or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

Obstructive sleep apnea is closely tied to behavioral and performance issues in school. It is a disorder that involves at least some closing of the airways during sleep, resulting in disrupted and fragmented rest. Symptoms that may indicate obstructive sleep apnea in your child include:

• Loud snoring
• Breathing through the mouth
• Enlarged tonsils
• Weight loss; hard time gaining weight
• Daytime fatigue

See your pediatrician if you suspect this might be a problem for your child.

Information on this site is not intended to serve as a means of medical diagnosis or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.