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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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In this Article

• How much sleep do children need?
• Can a lack of sleep impact a child's behavior?
• What is sleep hygiene?
• What are some common sleep disorders in children?
• What are some common physiological sleep disorder symptoms in children?
• Sleep apnea symptoms in children
• Parasomnia symptoms in children
• Confusional arousals symptoms in children
• Night terror symptoms in children
• Narcolepsy symptoms in children
• Sleepwalking in children
• Do teenagers have the same sleep requirements as younger children?
• How can I teach my child or teen healthy sleep habits and good sleep hygiene?
• What are some ways I can help my child or teenager get a better nights sleep?
• What are some "dont's" for getting my child or teen to sleep?
• Patient Comments: Sleep Disorder In Children And Teens - Symptoms
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Sleep and Sleep Disorders in Children and Teens Index

Sleep apnea is an extremely serious sleep pathology in which the child will struggle to breath and possibly stop breathing due to enlarged tonsil and adenoid tissues that obstruct the child's upper airway. Parents of such children will report that it sounds as if their child is being choked during sleep. Complications of sleep apnea include reduced oxygen to the brain and strain of the right side of the heart. If you believe your child may have sleep apnea, you should discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician. An evaluation by and ENT (ears-nose-throat) specialist is often indicated. It is helpful to either audio or audio/video your child prior to such an evaluation.

Parasomnias are disruptive sleep related events. They include several infrequent events (periodic limb movement disorder, restless leg syndrome) and more common events (teeth grinding, night terrors, and nightmares, sleepwalking, and bedwetting). Periodic limb movement disorder occurs while asleep and is characterized by repetitive leg and (occasionally) arm movement that persist throughout the night. The child or teenager does not complain of any discomfort or abnormal sensations. In contrast, restless leg syndrome occurs while awake and affected individuals often describe a sensation of their legs "falling asleep."

Nightmares occur during REM (dreaming period) sleep and thus are more common later in the night. The child acts scared but may be comforted by their parents. Such children will often be able to remember their dream. Simple parental reassurance and comforting is effective. In contrast, night terrors occur in non-REM sleep and thus generally within the first 4 hours of sleep. The child may become very violent with crying out in a confused manner as well as thrashing of arms and legs. Routine comforting of the child is not helpful and the child will be confused and bewildered if awoken. Generally the child will rapidly return to a "normal" sleep with no memory of the events in the morning.