SLEEP AND SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

 

Sleep directly impacts a child's mental and physical development.  Children ages 6 to 14 need at least 9 to 11 hours of sleep a night to thrive.

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As homework, extracurricular activities, and computer games start competing for time, it is easy to see why many kids drag themselves to the classroom.  The type of games as well as food consumed prior to bedtime can lead to difficulties falling asleep, nightmares, and disruptions during the sleep cycle.

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Chronic snoring is of particular concern in children. When the airway is restricted, the child has to exert extra effort to breathe. This can lead to sleep disruption and can affect the child's growth and development.

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WHEN SHOULD I SEEK HELP FOR MY CHILD?

If your child struggles with unexplained fatigue, has difficulty staying asleep, or feels tired upon awakening, contact your doctor or call our office for a preliminary sleep screening.

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If your child snores, has a small lower jaw, or is a mouth breather, call our office for an airway evaluation and sleep screening.

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FACTS TO REMEMBER

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• Kids need 9-11 hrs of sleep every night

• Lack of sleep affects cognitive function

• Poor sleep leads to emotional/ mood problems

• No child should ever snore!

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ADDITIONAL READING

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Doc, My Kid Snores. Should I Be Worried?

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Sleep-Starved Kids: the Dangers of Catching Too Few Winks