Sleep problems and starting school.

Sleep disorders in children starting school are associated with impaired performance and behavioural difficulties. This is not at all unusual. It is already recognised that the symptoms of these disorders are very variable and can be demonstrated among children of any given age. Even in an individually affected child, they need an appropriate diagnostic evaluation so that the many environmental and background factors that may be relevant, can be assessed.

In order to look more closely at this, extensive data was obtained on approximately 1400 children who were tested before beginning school in 2005. This data was obtained using a special sleep questionnaire and another screening instrument that is used to assess behavioral strengths and difficulties (the SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire).

Five percent of the children were found to have difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or nocturnal awakening. Less frequent problems included sleepwalking (0.1%), and frequent nightmares (1.7%).

This study showed that sleep disorders increase the risk of daytime fatigue, poorer concentration, poor learning and of psychological problems in general. Sleep deficit can result in both hyperactivity and excessive emotional stress.

These results imply that sleep problems and emotional disturbances are intimately connected. They also underscore the importance of diagnosing sleep problems in young children.

               If you have concerns about your child's sleep contact us;-   Info@dream-angus.com

 

 

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.