Childhood Sleep Disorders

The four most common childhood sleep disorders - which can also occur in adults - are sleep apnea, nocturnal myoclonus, enuresis and parasomnias.

• Sleep Apnea: When a sleeping child stops breathing for a short period, usually the result of an airway obstruction, this is known as sleep apnea. Afflicted children may snore loudly and complain of morning headaches.
  
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Periodic limb movement or restless legs during sleep are the results of sensory and motor disturbances. Children may complain of discomfort such as aching or cramping in their legs during the night. Their sleep may also be poor and insufficient as a result of the interference of leg twitching with proper sleep patterns.
  
• Enuresis: Commonly known as bedwetting, enuresis tends to occur in families. Children generally outgrow the disorder by 5 or 6 years of age, but techniques suggested by a sleep disorders physician can help.
  
• Parasomnias: Disorders of this type occur during deep sleep stages and include sleepwalking and night terrors. These conditions are particularly common in children. A child having a nightmare may actually start to scream while still asleep, and may be confused and disoriented if awakened during the episode.

Most children experience some sort of unpleasant sleep episode at some time or another, but if a sleep disorder becomes chronic, the child's caregiver should consider treatment at the Baptist Sleep Center. It is important to keep a log of symptoms and sleep/wake patterns to give the doctor a full picture of the problem. It may also be necessary for the child to spend a night or two at the Sleep Center under monitored conditions to uncover any disorder that occurs only during the deepest stages of sleep.

For more information on the Sleep Center at Baptist, call (865) 632-5627.

Baptist Sleep Center

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