Sleep is a vital part of mental and physical health, especially for children and teens, as it plays a crucial role in their growth and development.
Many children experience sleep problems, and if left untreated, there can be lasting effects. In today’s health minute, a pediatrician discusses when parents should be concerned about their child’s sleep habits.
During sleep, the body is at work, supporting healthy brain function and maintaining physical health. However, getting enough rest doesn’t always come easy. Approximately 35% of parents reported to the CDC that their child sleeps less than the recommended amount for their age.
Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General for Children, emphasizes the importance of sleep. He states, “Sleep disturbances are really common in kids.” Hadland explains that sleep sets the stage for the kind of day a child will have, affecting school performance and social engagement.
Children who do not get enough sleep are at increased risk for various issues, including injuries, obesity, type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, attention and behavior problems, and poor cognitive development.
“The key here is to understand when there’s an issue,” Hadland advises. He identifies three reasons parents should seek care for their child’s sleep habits:
First, if sleep disturbances are persistent, occurring multiple times a week over an extended period.
Second, if the sleep issues lead to daytime problems.
Finally, if there is a suspicion of a medical problem. For example, heavy snoring or gasping could indicate obstructive sleep apnea.
Hadland adds, “If a child does wake up in the middle of the night with some kind of sleep disturbance, it’s really important for parents to respond calmly because that will help their child fall back asleep more quickly.”
Hadland says when it comes to sleep, consistency is key. Children and teens should have consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends. He advises avoiding screen time an hour or two before bed and suggests using that time for calming activities, like reading, to help set them up for a good night’s sleep.
