The Importance of Healthy Sleep For Children

Bill Antilla, RPSGT, Cadwell Labs, Kennewick, Washington

sleepAwareness of the importance of healthy sleep is increasing due to the efforts of many in the field of sleep medicine.

A new study from the University of Michigan emphasizes that childhood sleeping problems can increase the risk for attention and hyperactivity disorders significantly. Results of a study presented at the Sleep Disorders of Infancy and Childhood Conference (January, 2002) in Palm Springs, California indicate that children with sleeping problems such as significant snoring have been found to have an increased risk for attention and hyperactivity disorders.

Researchers have found that children who frequently snore (or have sleep disorders) are almost twice as likely to suffer from attention and hyperactivity problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than those who sleep well.

Parents and caregivers should be vigilant to look for signs of sleeping problems such as loud and persistent snoring, inability to breathe through the nose during the day, and difficulty staying awake during the day. If these symptoms are persistent in your child, contact your local sleep disorders center for an evaluation, your child will thank you!