Most children are notorious for their energy. However, you may occasionally notice that your child seems to be dragging or doesn't quite have his usual pep. There are several reasons your child may be experiencing unusual fatigue, ranging from not enough sleep to a medical condition that needs treatment. If his fatigue lasts for more than a few days, it may be wise to take him to a doctor.
Not Enough Sleep
When kids do not get enough sleep, they may be grumpy, hyper, disagreeable or a combination of all of these things. According to Kids Health, how much sleep a child needs depends on her age but varies from child to child. Most kids' sleep requirements fall within a range of hours based on age, but every child is different. In general, babies up to 6 months of age need between 16 and 20 hours of sleep a day. Kids from 6 to 12 months of age need about 14 hours a day, averaging 11 hours at night and two to three naps a day. From ages 1 to 3, expect your child to sleep 10 to 13 hours. Preschoolers 10 to 12 hours. School-age kids about 10 hours a night, and children 10 to 12 years of age should average about nine hours of sleep nightly.
Stress
According to Kids Growth, a website developed by medical experts in the field of pediatrics and adolescent medicine, it is important not to underestimate the amount of stress in a child's life. The pressures of school, sports and outside classes or activities may cause a child to become anxious. If this is the case, eliminate any possible stresses and suggest changes in your child's lifestyle, including reducing the number of activities in which he participates. Children who are depressed may also show signs of fatigue. Children who seem more tired and depressed during the winter may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
Medical Causes
A number of medical conditions can cause a child to become fatigued. The most common is a chronic infection, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, mononucleosis or hepatitis. Children with seasonal allergies or asthma may also be tired frequently. Other causes include thyroid disorders, anemia or diabetes. An often overlooked condition, especially in children, is chronic fatigue syndrome, which not only causes fatigue but also pain, heat and exercise intolerance, dizziness and nausea. If your child seems to be unusually tired, consult your doctor to rule out any of these possible causes.
