Children and sleep disturbances.

Children's sleep is slowly becoming a more recognised issue both in the media and in the field of research. Channel 4 (UK television) recently presented a programme where two different Sleep specialists "competed" to see whose methods were more successful. The families who took part had different sleep issues and both had difficulties in being consistent. This is often the case. When you have a big sleep deficit it is very difficult to manage situations, to make clear decisions, and to follow through.

Both families did experience resolution of their sleep disturbances and now the children are reported to be sleeping well. The parents will have their own sleep deficit to address and gradually they too will experience the full benefits of an improved sleep.

There are as many ways to address the various sleep disturbances of childhood, as there are families who need this help. The real expertise is in choosing the most appropriate intervention for a particular family and their child. Then the majority of the work, which the parents have to do, is about being consistent. When a plan works, it works because the parents have accepted the method and have been consistent in following it. How quickly resolution occurs is entirely down to the appropriate method and the parents ability to be consistent.

Children learn by demonstration and frequent repetition. The boundaries have to be set and maintained. This helps the child to become secure in understanding what is expected of them, and to settle to a desired pattern of behaviour. Our children want to please us. When we have a sleep deficit, and when we fail to be consistent, they become confused and this leads to insecurity.

In the interests of the programme, making interesting television, there was more emphasis on the competition between the two experts than on the resolution of the sleep issues. There is no reason why, in this day and age, any parent should have to struggle to get their child or children to settle well at bed time and sleep through the night. There are services out there to help.

Children with special needs have particular issues, but, even with the complications of their specific requirements, they can be taught to sleep and to sleep properly. The main difference is that children who have other health issues are likely to require a more prolonged programme.

If you would like help to resolve your child, or children's sleep issues,
Contact Dream-Angus. A fifteen minute telephone conversation is free.

How long does it take to alter sleep behaviour?

If your child has a sleep difficulty it is important that that difficulty is first clearly identified. There are a range of sleep disorders which children and adults can experience.
Once that difficulty is identified, through a detailed history, and the duration of the problem is known, it can take as little as four to six weeks to resolve.

When a child has another underlying health issue, or has a handicapping condition, it may take three to four months to properly resolve the sleep difficulty.

The main requirement in following any behaviour altering programme, is that the routines set are consisitent and this can require a great deal of effort from parents and carers. Being consistent with a child when you yourself have a sleep deficit is not always easy. There are always times when it is much simpler to give in, to accept a level of unwanted and/or antisocial behaviour, than to be firm and insist that a set behaviour has a consistent consequence.

Circadian Rhythm disorders require the greatest comittment as the behaviour alteration has not only to alter the body clock, but to maintain that alteration for at least two or three months longer than the original duration of the difficulty. Even at that, altering routines by as much or as little as one hour can upset the system and require a "re start". This can try the motivation of the young person as well as the patience of the parents.

That said, the resolution of these difficulties brings enormous rewards in the entire body system, mental health and attitude to life.

If you would like help in resolving your child's sleep difficulty..
Contact;- www. Dream-Angus.com