Sleep Disorder:Sleep Problems in Children

Sleep, like hunger or thirst, is a vital need and is essential for a child's health and growth. Sleep promotes alertness, memory and performance. Recent research shows that children are not getting enough sleep. The studies also show that failure to get enough sleep can result in poor school performance and behavioral problems. Through the ages, the need for sleep has been a matter of contention between children and parents. The children are happy with late nights and less sleep and the parents persistently worry that their children are not getting enough sleep.

Each child is different and has different sleep needs. Experts recommend that children get the following amount of sleep at each stage of growth:

Sleep requirement of children of various years are listed below-

Babies between the ages of 3 to 11 months - 14 to 15 hours

1-2 year olds : 12 to 14 hours

2-3 year olds : 11 to 13 hours

Children above 3 years: 10 to 11 hours

Sleeping Disorders - Slideshow

Most children have the ability to sleep well through the night. Children who do not sleep well maybe suffering from a sleep problem. It is very important for parents to know and recognize the symptoms of a possible sleep problem in their child. Sleep problems can have very significant consequences on the health of the child and their ability to function normally. The best way to deal with most sleep problems is to find them early and treat them as soon as possible.