Sleeping helps a child’s brain and body develop. Malnourishment, which includes overeating as well as not eating enough of the right types of food, can also impact a child’s sleep. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals may also cause sleeping problems. If sleep problems persist, parents should consult their child’s pediatrician.
Anemia and Restless Legs Syndrome
Iron deficiency is the most common form of malnutrition. Some people with anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency, may develop restless legs syndrome. Doctors diagnose restless legs syndrome in children based on the same symptoms as adults. Restless legs syndrome causes individuals to feel the urge to move in the legs. People who have restless legs syndrome often have trouble sleeping and staying asleep.
Magnesium Deficiency
Individuals who do not get enough magnesium may have difficulty sleeping. The body uses magnesium for a variety of functions, including the production of energy and regulating calcium. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include restless legs syndrome and other sleep disorders. Further research needs to be conducted to determine whether magnesium may help with insomnia related to restless legs syndrome.
Childhood Obesity
Overnutrition is a form of malnutrition where individuals eat more calories than the body can burn. Overeating leads to a variety of health problems in children, including obesity. Children who are obese may eat foods with low nutritional value, vitamins and minerals, which lead to micronutrient deficiencies. Obese children have a greater risk of developing sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea have brief interruptions in their sleep and partially wake up to breathe.
Considerations
Eating a balanced diet will ensure that children receive adequate nutrition for their body to function and grow properly. Children should not eat foods high in fat later in the day because it can interrupt a child’s sleep pattern by causing heartburn or stomach upset. In addition, children should avoid foods with caffeine before bedtime, including soda pop and chocolate, because they may interfere with sleep.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Iron-Deficiency Anemia
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
- National Sleep Foundation: Children and Sleep
- St. Luke’s Health System; Restless Legs…; Murali Haheswaran, D.O., et al.; June 2006
- Mayo Clinic: Foods that Help You Sleep
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: NINDS Sleep Apnea Information Page
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