> March 26 2008
New Sleep Disorder Solutions locations, Port St. Lucie, Deltona and Kissimmee

Does your child have a sleep problem?

About 3 out of 10 children have some sleep-related issue during childhood. Depending on age, children should spend eight to 12 hours of the day sleeping. It is not only the amount of sleep, but the quality that is important for optimal growth and development, learning ability and even immune function.

When it comes to children and sleep, common complaints include the amount of sleep (too much or too little), unrealistic parental expectations and disruptions during the night leading to inefficient or poor quality sleep.

Nighttime disruptions such as sleep terrors, fears and sleep apnea often affect older children and may require reassurance or a further evaluation. Evaluations into pediatric sleep must take into account the child's developmental age along with all cultural, behavioral and societal norms. Abnormal sleep, or a sleep-related issue, in our westernized culture may be normal to another culture. Thus, sleep experts strive to find a "goodness of fit" model taking account of the child's sleep needs for optimal functioning, along with parents' culture and personal expectations for their child.

> March 26 2008
New Sleep Disorder Solutions locations, Port St. Lucie, Deltona and Kissimmee