A SLEEPLESS CHILD IS A "TROUBLESOME" CHILD

Several medical reports have told us the health implications of sleeplessness. We are also familiar with many consequences of lack of adequate sleep in adults but little have been said about sleeplessness in children, its causes, the effect on their health and long-term harm it could have on the behavior, character and attitude of children especially as they grow up in life.

The experts reported that the mighty trip to dreamland is a frustrating one for millions of children around the world who are suffering from insomnia, sleep apnea, waking during night, resting bedtime, night terrors and sleepwalking.

Another medical investigation reports that the sleeping pattern of the child depends on his or her activities. Some sleep during the day and stay awake most hours of the night whereas the reverse is the case for many others (especially Neonates-that is babies less than month of age) they sleep often in the afternoon and stay awake in the night.

Children, it should be noted, do also have headache and other disorder or health problems, which they may not be able to tell. This can affect them seriously. Another thing that can make a child to suffer lack of adequate sleep is medications; so all of these can affect a child’s sleep and what you would notice is that such child would, most times make trouble. Sometimes the child will be crying, not allowing anybody in the house to sleep, so a ‘sleepless’ kid is indeed a troublesome child.

Such a habit can be also be with the child as he/she is growing up to adulthood. Some parents tend to spiritualis things, attributing or pointing accusing fingers often to the devil for their children’s unruly behavior. Parents need to be informed that these nasty behaviours their children display and which many people have been complaining about is probably due to lack or insufficient sleep.

Moreover, sleeplessness in a child can be fixed with simple behavioural changes at home.

Steps to take, according to experts includes:

1. 1 
   Setting firm schedule: Get them to bed the same time every night and wake them up the same time every morning. This sets a child’s internal clock and makes it so easy for them and they will get sleepy easier and fall asleep easier.
2. Create a bedtime routine: Implementing a ‘wind-down’ time before bed perhaps 20-30 minutes each night; this help kids of all ages settle down and their minds and bodies ready for sleep.
3. Bar electronics from their bedroom: Electronic distractions like TV, Cellphones, games etc has been found to have major negative impact on sleep.
4. Limit their caffeine intake: This does not mean only coffee but also ice tea.
5. Make sleep-time a solo affair: Kids who get used to a parent being with them as they drift off will need that parent every time they seek slumber. Therefore, allowing a child to fally asleep on his/her own is very important.