When kids have sleep issues
A growing number of children have sleep disorders, from narcolepsy to sleep apnea. Left untreated, these issues can cause behavior problems, increased risk for heart problems, diabetes and more.
While there are 80 defined sleep disorders, the most common issue for children is sleep deficiency — or lack of sleep, says Dr. Daniel S. Lewin, Associate Director of the Pediatric Sleep Medicine and Director of the Pulmonary Behavioral Medicine Program at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Because sleep disorders can cause attention issues, impulse control and emotional problems, some children are misdiagnosed with other disorders when in reality they just need more sleep, according to Lewin and other physicians.
To read more about sleep issues in children read our story When kids have problems sleeping
