Now more than ever, it is important that children and teenagers are able to get a good night’s sleep. This is because a proper amount of sleep each evening helps progress your child’s development. However, this might seem to be easier said than done, as the American Academy of Pediatrics found that a quarter of all parents report poor sleeping patterns in children under the age of five.
If your child is suffering from irregular or unhealthy sleeping patterns, it is important to consult your pediatrician in order to begin readjusting your child’s sleep schedule. You need to do this before it is too late, as a long-term lack of proper sleep can result in serious health effects, including:
- Behaviors found in people with ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Allergic rhinitis
- High blood pressure
- Immune system irregularities
- Worsening school performance
Thankfully, there are easy ways to help develop a better sleep schedule for your child. One of these is stricter rules on the use of technology. Prolonged screen exposure can affect a child’s ability to go to sleep at a good hour, so limiting technology use or making your bedroom a “no-screen” zone can do wonders for your kid.
Another change that you can make is slightly readjusting your child’s diet. If you find that your child is eating too many sugary snacks or drinking too much caffeine, that could be keeping them awake at night. Swap those snacks and drinks with healthier options so that their body is properly nourished.
Of course, every child is different, which means that your child might not respond differently to these types of changes. If you find this to be the case, or if you suspect that your child has a sleeping disorder such as sleep apnea, consult us today. Even though it might seem difficult now, helping your child readjust their habits can potentially do wonders for not only their sleep schedule but their overall health as well. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (425) 329-6267!