Child Sleep Problems in Ellicott City, Maryland

THE MONSTER THAT’S OFTEN UNDETECTED

Child sleep problems are hard to detect because they can remain hidden behind so many other childhood difficulties. Like a thief in the night, disrupted sleep robs your child of the rest needed for healthy growth and development.

Unfortunately, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most pediatricians aren’t prepared to deal with sleep disorders. In 2011, the AAP conducted a study showing that among pediatricians:

  • More than 80% had no formal sleep disorders training
  • More than 83% did not feel confident in providing guidance concerning children’s sleep problems
  • More than 86% failed to answer questions about snoring and sleep apnea correctly

That’s one reason why childhood sleep problems remain severely underdiagnosed. Instead, we find terms such as ADD/ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder gaining in popularity.

A surprising national study of 11,000 children in 2012 found that Sleep Disordered Breathing led to a 60 to 80 percent increased risk of ADHD symptoms.

Meanwhile, treatments for these misdiagnosed symptoms are not sufficient because the underlying sleep problems remain untreated.

THE MONSTER THAT’S OFTEN UNDETECTED

Watch for these symptoms in your child, as they’re common signs that your child may be having sleep issues:

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
  • Trouble Sleeping or Staying Asleep
  • Nightmares
  • Bedwetting
  • Sleepwalking
  • Snoring

If you notice your child exhibiting these symptoms, he or she might be suffering from a sleep disorder. Recognizing the signs of childhood sleep issues can help you set your child up for success by eliminating this dreadful problem.

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