Sleep has an important place in the biological and psychological development of children. Children's sleep needs vary depending on age (up to 2 years old - an average of 14 hours, 3-5 years old - an average of 11-13 hours, school-age children - 10-11 hours). However, sleep quality and pattern are also very important.
Sleep disorders can lead to learning, attention and memory problems, daytime sleepiness, and mental illnesses, especially in long-term sleep disorders. It is of great importance to eliminate these problems during childhood, when brain development is very rapid.
Difficulty in Falling/Staying Asleep
Pre-sleep rituals are important here. If the child is used to sleeping in a certain way, he may have difficulty falling asleep when this habit is disrupted. In this regard, assistance such as shaking, touching, telling a story, lullaby or hugging an object such as a toy may be needed. It is frequently observed, especially in school-age children, due to stress and anxiety.
Sleep Terror
What is known as sleep terror, which is more common in boys, is when the child's eyes are open but he looks at the other person as if he cannot see, and cries loudly. Even though he seems awake, he is not awake. The intensity of crying increases when the parent tries to silence it. However, it is a more preferable method for the parent to turn on the light so that the child can see it and sit quietly in the room. In a sense, this gives the child the message, "I am with you." When the child starts to calm down, he usually stretches out his arms to the parent and wants to be held. Then the parent should hold the child so that the child falls asleep in the parent's arms. It is more common in anxious and fearful children, there is a familial predisposition.
Nightmare
It occurs during the REM period of sleep. The most common age group is 3-5 years old. However, it can happen at any stage of life. It may be more frequent during periods of increased stress and anxiety. There is no specific treatment. The underlying causes need to be investigated. The child who wakes up in fear should be taken care of, listen to his dreams, and try to comfort him.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
It is a condition that can occur at any age and often occurs in the N-REM phase. What causes wear and pressure on the jaw joint and teeth? It may cause headache. It is recommended to investigate and eliminate the underlying causes (such as stress, anxiety).
Sleepwalking
Repetitive, periods of getting up and walking around during sleep. It often begins between the ages of 4-8 and decreases towards adolescence. The eyes are open and motionless, the gaze is dull. What happened is not remembered in the morning or is remembered very little. In-home safety precautions should be taken and the problem should be resolved by getting professional help.
Narcolepsy
It is generally known as excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness in children and adolescents. The person suddenly falls asleep at unexpected times, even while talking or eating. It is a neurological disorder with a chronic course. At the same time, sudden loss of muscle strength may occur when experiencing a strong emotion or laughing (cataplexy). Sometimes, inability to move for a short time after waking up (sleep paralysis) and hallucinations may occur while falling asleep.
Sleep Urination Disorder (Enuresis Nocturna):
It is often seen in the N-REM phase. There could be many reasons. It is seen in children over the age of 5. It may be due to genetics, arousal disorders, hormonal and bladder-related reasons. Daily fluid consumption should be regulated, fluid intake in the evenings should be restricted, and cola, caffeine-containing drinks, tea, calcium-containing foods and salty foods should be prohibited before going to bed.
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