Children’s sleep is precious. They need it for their physical and mental development. However, their sleep is often compromised by organic problems that lurk in their nightlife.

In this article, we will discuss the two main organic problems that affect children’s sleep and what you can do to help alleviate them.

Problem 1: Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. It’s a common problem in adults, but it can also affect children.

Sleep apnea in children can occur due to several reasons, including enlarged tonsils and adenoids, obesity, or a small jaw.

When a child has sleep apnea, they may snore loudly, have difficulty breathing, and stop breathing for short periods during their sleep. As a result, they may wake up frequently during the night, be restless, and have trouble focusing during the day.

Sleep apnea can also cause other health problems in children such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea in Children

If you suspect that your child has sleep apnea, you should consult their pediatrician. Their doctor may recommend a sleep study or refer them to a sleep specialist for an evaluation.

The treatment for sleep apnea in children depends on the severity of their condition. Mild cases of sleep apnea may be managed by simple lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding allergens, or changing sleep positions.

For more severe cases, treatment may include medications, removal of tonsils or adenoids, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or surgery to correct structural abnormalities.

Problem 2: Night Terrors

Night terrors are a type of sleep disorder that affects children and adults. It’s a parasomnia or an abnormal behavior that occurs during sleep. Unlike nightmares, which happen during REM sleep, night terrors occur during non-REM sleep.

Night terrors can be terrifying for parents to witness. Children who have night terrors may scream, cry, and appear to be afraid while they’re still asleep. They may also sweat profusely, have a rapid heart rate, and breathe fast.

After several minutes, the episode ends and the child may fall back asleep as if nothing happened. Unfortunately, the child may not remember the episode the next day.

How to Help Your Child with Night Terrors

If your child has night terrors, there are several things you can do to help them. First, you should ensure their safety during the episode. You can hold them gently, speak softly, and let them know they’re safe.

Second, you should avoid waking them up during the episode. Unlike nightmares, night terrors are not a result of a bad dream, so waking the child up may prolong the episode or cause confusion.

Third, you should establish a bedtime routine for your child. A regular bedtime routine can help your child relax and feel more comfortable during sleep. You can also create a calming environment in their bedroom by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your child’s night terrors are persistent or severe, you should consult their pediatrician. They may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation.

In some cases, night terrors may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as sleep apnea, anxiety, or epilepsy.

Conclusion

If your child is having trouble sleeping due to organic problems such as sleep apnea or night terrors, it’s important to seek medical attention. Both of these conditions can have serious consequences for your child’s health and development.

By consulting with their pediatrician and following their treatment recommendations, you can help your child get the restful sleep they need to thrive.