Did you know that up to half of all children have a sleep problem? The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona treats patients as young as two, and we are recognized as the Face of Sleep Medicine in the Phoenix region for our unprecedented staffing levels and outcome-driven approach. The right treatment starts with the right diagnosis, which is why you will only work with sleep specialists from your consultation onward. We set the standard for sleep medicine in Arizona thanks to having leading professionals in sleep medicine on staff including a clinical psychologist focused on CBT for insomnia and a physician assistant with a Masters in Sleep Medicine.
Just like with any person or any condition, early detection is key. The sooner your child is diagnosed with a sleep disorder, the quicker you can stop negative consequences. This can include behavioral problems, excessive daytime fatigue, learning challenges, and poor academic performance. It is estimated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in up to 5 percent of children. However, many sleep disorders, including OSA, go undiagnosed in all patients and perhaps even more so in children.
Helping Your Child Get the Sleep They Deserve
In adults, a physical exam and taking a thorough history may be enough to narrow down the diagnosis of OSA. Children routinely require a polysomnography (which is also available for adults). Also, the cause of OSA in children may be different than in adults, so treatments may differ. For example, enlarged tonsils that block the airway are a common trigger for OSA in children, but that is not so common in adults (particularly if adults have already had their tonsils removed, of course).
Parasomnias are another type of common sleep problem in children. These can include a number of activities such as sleepwalking, night terrors (different than typical nightmares), and sleep talking, to name just a few. These events often happen during the first half of the night when (common) nightmares occur. Parasomnia events may be “outgrown,” with just 4 percent lasting into adolescence on average. However, this does not mean that parasomnias should necessarily be considered part of life. Some cases are severe, and many can be managed with the help of a sleep expert. If you think your child’s nighttime events are beyond what is to be expected, seek help today.
Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is So Important
Do not assume that medications will or should be the first approach when dealing with children and their sleep disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I, can be a fantastic approach for patients of all ages. Many times, changing and improving sleep hygiene practices under the guidance of a sleep expert who works with children can produce excellent results. This can include removing all technology from the bedroom, establishing a good sleep-wake schedule, bright light therapy in the morning, natural melatonin at night, and making sure all diagnoses are correct. Restless leg syndrome in children is another common issue that affects sleep, and pinpointing triggers so they can be avoided is a great approach.
Sleep is important for everyone, but especially for children. It’s how the body conserves energy, promotes growth, helps with mental development, and it’s the method in which the body gets back to healthy, normal processes. Although daytime sleepiness is the most obvious and common sign of poor sleep, that’s just one signal in children. If you notice behavioral issues, trouble learning, worsening grades, or motor vehicle fender benders (or worse) in teenagers, these can all by side effects of a sleep disorder and poor sleep.
Helping Your Child Sleep Better
Discussions of sleep are big during the wellness visits in the early years of your child’s life. However, these visits are typically not with sleep experts. Considering that about half of children struggle with getting the quality sleep they need, there’s a good chance that working with a sleep specialist can help your child achieve the rest they need to live a better life. Diagnosis always comes first because that drives the treatment and the best possible outcomes.
At The Insomnia and Sleep Institute, we understand how critical it is for your child’s sleep to be uninterrupted and healthy. Contact us today by calling (480) 745-3547 or complete the online form to schedule your child’s consultation with a sleep specialist.
