Children 4 months to 17 years with a regular bedtime are more likely to get enough sleep.
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(HealthDay News) — Overall, 34.9 percent of children aged 4 months to 17 years sleep less than recommended for their age, according to research published in the Sept. 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Anne G. Wheaton, Ph.D., and Angelika H. Claussen, Ph.D., from the CDC in Atlanta, examined the prevalence of short sleep duration among children aged 4 months to 17 years in the United States using data from 2016 to 2018 National Survey of Children’s Health.
The researchers found that 34.9 percent of persons aged 4 months to 17 years slept less than recommended for their age, based on parent reports. A higher prevalence of short sleep duration was seen for those in Southeastern states and among racial- and ethnic-minority groups, persons with low socioeconomic status, and those with special health care needs. The prevalence of short sleep duration varied from 31.2 to 40.3 percent among adolescents aged 13 to 17 years and infants aged 4 to 11 months, respectively. The likelihood of getting enough sleep was increased for persons aged 4 to 17 months with a regular bedtime.
“Clinicians and educators can guide parents about the importance of sleep at all ages and discuss sleep routines and sleep problems with parents, children, and adolescents, paying attention to those with special health care needs,” the authors write.
Disrupted sleep in children
Consequences of undiagnosed sleep apnea affect more than a restful night. Their social behavior could produce more fights with friends or behavior issues due to inattentiveness and moodiness. Sleep apnea can result in slower growth and development due to not producing enough growth hormone. Obesity can also contribute to the list of health issues causing your child to have higher resistance to insulin as well as feeling fatigued during the day.
Sleep disorders in children can lead to lower school grades and cranky children to even behavioral problems in their social lives.
The first step is to alert your child’s pediatrician if you believe that your child is suffering from a sleep disorder or was misdiagnosed with ADHD. After a proper physical exam, they will determine if an ENT visit may be needed for enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils or a sleep study.
An A.W.A.K.E. support group through the American Sleep Apnea Association can help with any questions to others who have experienced misdiagnosis and the road ahead while dealing with pediatric OSA.
If your child still is diagnosed having ADHD, talk to your doctor about options. A non-stimulant may be a better option. These medications take longer to start working than stimulants, but can also improve focus, attention, and impulsivity in a person with ADHD.
Next steps are available with our doctors to diagnose your child correctly through a free pediatrics phone consultation at the Alaska Sleep Clinic.
