Sleep Concerns in Kids..!? Get checked immediately...

Sowmiya Sriram
Sleep Concerns in Kids..!? Get checked immediately...

Good sleep is very important for a healthy life at any age. And children definitely need enough sleep.

Why is sleep important for children?

Sleep is essential for mental and physical health and development. Brain function requires adequate sleep. If children don't get the right amount of sleep, it can affect their behavior. Many problems such as excessive anger, excessive irritability, fatigue, inattention, etc. can occur. Medical experts say that many problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are likely to occur in their later life.
Early to bed means early to wake up is a common saying when we were children. But today's changed lifestyle, use of mobile phones and gadgets leads to delay in sleeping and hence also delay in waking up. This is a bad habit found in everyone from adults to children. Sometimes children are prone to problems like stress and insomnia due to not getting enough sleep.
Age-appropriate sleep is essential:

Newborn babies need about 15-16 hours of sleep a day. They sleep equally day and night. Babies over one year of age are used to sleeping through the night. Preschoolers or young kids need 11 - 13 hours of sleep. But it definitely differs from one to another.
How is sleep regulated in humans?

Sleep is a complex process. It also affects various functions occurring in the body. Sleep is also affected by environmental and social influences around us. The vital clock of the human body is regulated by the hormone melatonin secreted by the hypothalamus of the brain.
Trouble sleeping: Common causes include:

A common cause is going to bed late, although certain medications, tonsils, adenoids, etc. can also cause sleep problems. Sleepwalking, talking, nightmares, and night seizures can also be causes of sleep problems in children.
Neurological problem:

Children with neurological problems usually suffer from sleep problems. Inadequate sleep also leads to seizures in some cases.
Some tips for proper sleep:

It is very important to inculcate good sleep habits in children. Go to bed at a specific time every day and wake up at a specific time every day. No change is needed in it. It should not be extended by more than one hour even during school holidays. Don't allow yourself to sleep late. Keep their bedroom dark and quiet. Cell phones, television, sugary or caffeinated foods, and undigested foods should be avoided before sleep. Reassure children if they wake up in the night and let them sleep on their own. If children are not getting enough sleep or are showing signs of stress or anxiety, consult a doctor immediately.

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