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Monday, 19 November 2007 05:00 |
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"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"
Do you find yourself saying this to your child? Well, you’re not
alone!!
Sleep problems are some of the most common problems parents face
with their children. Some parents struggle with getting their
child to sleep through the night. New parents worry about how to
help their child learn good sleep habits that last a lifetime.
And still others wonder if their child’s sleep difficulties are
chronic and are concerned that their child may be going through
their days sleep-deprived.
Studies reveal that a significant number of children have some
form of a sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbances among children
and adolescents are common. Prolonged changes in sleep patterns,
if left untreated, can result in significant emotional,
behavioral, and cognitive impairment and can put your child at
risk for poor school performance, accidents, and social or
medical problems. The key is to identify changes in sleep, and
to know when to seek assistance. Sleep disturbance can take
several forms including:
•difficulty falling asleep •trouble staying asleep •frequently
awakening
There also are other variations of sleep issues known as
parasomnias, e.g., night terrors or sleepwalking.
To alleviate your child"s sleep disturbance, try these simple
steps:
•Keep bedtime at the same time each night: This helps your child
establish a structure and enforces a predictable routine.
•Monitor unnecessary environmental stimuli: Minimize the light
and noise in the child’s bedroom (music, lights) •Encourage
pre-bedtime relaxation: Children respond well to activities that
allow them to wind down such as a warm bath, massage or
aromatherapy •Share some activity: Dedicate time to reading a
bedtime story or talking about your child’s day and encouraging
meditation and reflection •Plan the transition: Ease the child
into new processes by discussing changes and comforting their
transition into healthy sleep habits
Sleep in its natural form is the only way our bodies can
re-charge. Beyond resting, sleep serves many functions including
memory preservation. If your child is not receiving the quality
and quantity of sleep that is required (typically 8-12 hours
each night is optimal), the toll can be enormous. Performance in
school, interacting with others and activities of daily living
may diminish in quality. The origins of a sleep disturbance may
range from anxiety tied to emotional conflicts, such as fear of
an upcoming test or excitement over a speaking part in the
school play, to medical issues such as apnea. It is important
that the underlying issue be addressed, no matter the source, to
resolve the sleep disturbance and give your child their best
shot at life.
Remember always to take into account where your child is in
their developmental stage, because some sleep issues are
age-appropriate. If you have exhausted the suggestions listed
above, then possibly the need for professional intervention is
warranted. You are the expert when it comes to your child and
their sleep patterns. If you have a concern, trust your instinct
and seek professional advice.
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