Premier HealthNet Explains Children Can Suffer From Sleep Problems Too

Online, April 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Work stressors, health problems and other life issues can take a toll on adults' sleep, but sleep issues aren't limited to grown-ups-many children can experience sleep problems too. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, it's estimated that as many as 30 percent of children may develop a sleep disorder at some point during childhood. Premier HealthNet physicians are reminding parents to pay attention to their children's sleep habits and take the necessary steps to ensure their kids get a good night's sleep

For individuals of all ages, healthy sleep habits begin with an adequate amount of sleep. While sleep needs vary by age, children require far more sleep than adults. For instance, the National Institutes of Health recommends 16 to 18 hours of sleep per day for a newborn. Those needs gradually reduce to nine to ten hours per night for teens and young adults.

"Even though eight hours of sleep per night is a pretty universal figure used today, it's important that parents are aware that their children need much more than that," said Dr. Roberta Kern of Educare Family Medicine. "During childhood and teenage years, the body is growing rapidly-sleep, as well as diet and exercise, is important to ensuring children and teens remain healthy and happy."

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, common sleep problems for children include frequent awakening during the night and difficulty falling asleep, daytime sleepiness, nightmares, bedwetting and teeth grinding or clenching. The first step on the road to diagnosing these types of sleep problems in children is talking to a primary care physician.

"I like to start a dialogue with my patients and their parents to get to the root of the problem and effectively diagnose and treat the disorder," said Dr. Kern. "If making changes to sleep habits doesn't resolve the issue, then we may turn to a sleep specialist or medication."

Establishing good sleep habits early in childhood and continuing those throughout the teenage years can play a role in preventing sleep problems. Creating a set bed time and maintaining that into the weekends and while children are on summer vacation and other breaks from school will help get them into a routine. Eating and drinking significant amounts right before bedtime should be avoided. Also, turning off music, cell phones, TVs and other technologies will help prevent distractions while trying to fall asleep.

"Good sleep habits are important to individuals of all ages, but especially to active, growing children," said Dr. Kern. "At Educare Family Medicine, many of my patients are student athletes-I try to remind them that proper sleep is crucial to their performance at school and in sports."

Primary care physicians are the first stop for diagnosing and treating sleep problems and disorders. Physicians can advise patients on healthy habits or prescribe medication to address sleep problems. Sometimes, however, additional observation and expertise is required, so a patient might be referred to a sleep specialist. Miami Valley Hospital's Sleep Center is one place in Southwest Ohio where referred patients can go for sleep disorder testing and treatment. Visit Miami Valley Hospital's website, www.mvh.org/sleep for more information about the Sleep Center and the services it provides. To find a primary care physician in your area, visit www.premierhealthnet.com.