Children need more sleep than adults, but too much sleeping is not beneficial, and parents should reevaluate their child if he seems sleepier than usual for an extended period of time. Carolyn Thiedke, M.D. notes that a child with sleeping problems can be disruptive to an entire family. If a child seems to be tired during the day on a fairly consistent basis, there is probably a reason for it. A study done by a research unit at the University of Surrey states that "Children's sleep problems are very common. At some stage about 40 percent of children have a sleep problem considered to be significant by their parents."
Amount of Sleep Needed
If you are concerned your child appears tired throughout the day, consider if your child is getting enough sleep. WebMD.com says that the amount of sleep needed typically depends on the individual child and age. Infants one to four weeks old should sleep about 15 to 16 hours a day. Babies ranging from one month to a year should sleep 14 or 15 hours. Children one to three years old need 12 to 14 hours. Children ages three to six need 10 to 12 hours, and seven to 12 year olds need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Ages 12 and up typically require eight hours. Each child is different, but getting less sleep than is considered average for your child's age bracket might be leading to unusual daytime sleepiness.
Basic Reasons for Excessive Sleeping
Children up until the age of five typically nap once a day, so make sure your child has this opportunity if she is between these ages. Children will be sleepy if they stay up too late. Children between the ages of one and six usually go to bed between 7 and 9 p.m. To make sure your child consistently gets enough sleep, establish a routine. Childrentoday.com cites more common causes of excessive sleeping as bedwetting, fear, abnormal sleep positions, and environmental disturbances. These can lead to interrupted sleep patterns during the night or may lead to a child having trouble falling asleep. Night terrors, stress, and emotional problems can also lead to insufficient sleep.
What to Do for Basic Sleep Issues
For these problems, it is best to be consistent with your child's bedtime routine. Before bedtime, it is important to let your child unwind and not do anything too stimulating, like watching TV or playing video games. Your child should not go to bed hungry, and should empty his bladder before getting into bed. Your child should not fall asleep with a TV on, but soft music is fine. When it comes to putting your child in bed, make sure nothing is upsetting her. You should comfort and reassure your child, but do not linger too long, as children need to learn to fall asleep without needing you next to them.
Medical Conditions that Influence Sleep
Snoring and asthma can deprive a child of sufficient sleep at night and lead to more sleepiness during the day. Sleep apnea can make breathing more difficult and interrupt sleeping patterns. Narcolepsy is rarely diagnosed in adolescents, but cannot be ruled out if a child frequently experiences uncontrollable sleepiness during the day. Tumors or head trauma can lead to more sleepiness as well. If you are able to determine that your child has a comfortable bedtime routine and doesn't display any common reasons for sleep deprivation, it is best to consult a medical professional and work together to figure out what the underlying cause might be.
Things to Watch For
As your child gets older, it remains important that you are watchful of them and their routine. Older children and teenagers will have more independence, but it is important to note that tiredness throughout the day can be caused if your child is up late studying, working, playing video games, or going out with friends. Anxiety, drugs, alcohol, and depression can also contribute to a lack of sleep or erratic sleeping patterns.
Conclusion
Each child will have a different reason or reasons for excessive sleepiness. Be sure to consider any factors that might be leading to inadequate sleep at night, and if necessary, consult a doctor for help. All forms of daytime sleepiness can be rectified, or treated if necessary.
