Sleep Disorders

Sleep is a huge component of health, especially for your rapidly growing little one! If your child is struggling with disrupted sleep, it could have implications for their growth. Common disruptions could even indicate a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are a common problem, affecting up to 50% of children and teens at some point during their lives. At Angel Kids Pediatrics, with multiple locations in Jacksonville and St. Johns, Florida, the team of expert pediatricians and psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various pediatric sleep disorders, including insomnia, night terrors, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and bedwetting. Schedule an evaluation by contacting 904-224-KIDS (5437) today. 

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders affect your child’s ability to get restful and rejuvenating sleep. If your child doesn’t get enough sleep, it can affect their mood and behavior, not to mention their growth, development, and general well-being.

What causes sleep disorders in children?

Many of the sleep disorders that affect children occur for the same reasons as in adults. For example, children who are overweight or obese are more likely to snore.

Other factors that may increase your child’s risk of a sleep disorder include an inconsistent bedtime schedule or behavioral issues, like anxiety disorders.

What are some common pediatric sleep disorders?

The Angel Kids Pediatrics team diagnoses and treats various sleep disorders, including:

• Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
• Behavioral insomnia (resistance to sleep, common in young children)
• Conditioned insomnia (problems sleeping due to anxiety or fear)
• Transient sleep disturbances (poor sleep due to travel or illness)
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Snoring
• Sleepwalking (somnambulism)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
• Night terrors
• Bruxism
• Teeth grinding
• Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)

Even though most children grow out of these issues as they age, it’s crucial to seek treatment early on. Without intervention, sleep disorders may affect your child’s quality of life and performance in the classroom.

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Your child’s provider reviews their health charts and asks about their diet and regular habits, including if they’re allowed to drink caffeine, if they have a regular bedtime, and how often they go outside and play. Answer each question honestly; the team isn’t there to judge you, but your answers can help determine what’s keeping your child up at night.

How are sleep disorders treated?

Treatment of sleep disorders depends on your child’s age and the severity of their symptoms. Often, healthy lifestyle changes are enough to make a difference. For example, the team might recommend:

• Establishing a consistent bedtime routine
• Limiting screen time before bed
• Limiting caffeine
• Getting exercise during the day
• Reducing stressors

Your child might also benefit from a more comfortable sleeping environment. For example, if they’re afraid of the dark, a night light may help them relax.

Schedule an evaluation by contacting 904-224-KIDS (5437) to request a sleep disorder consultation for your child or request an appointment online today.