When You Should See a Pediatric Sleep Specialist

The person who coined the phrase “I slept like a baby” must have not taken into consideration that up to 50% of children have sleep problems!

It’s normal to go through phases of poor sleep and regressions, but long-term sleep problems can be disruptive. Are you concerned about your child’s sleep patterns but not sure how to approach the situation?

A pediatric sleep specialist may be of help. These highly-trained specialists focus on child sleep problems. They’ll help you identify the problem and work through it to come up with a solution that works for your entire family. 

This guide will help you figure out when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Lack of Concentration

Children aren’t known as the most focused age group. There can still be noticeable fluctuations in their ability to concentrate or perform daily tasks.

Is your child having trouble getting through school lessons, homework, mealtime, or even a television show?

This one can be a bit hard to judge on your own if you don’t have a clear baseline of your child’s ability to focus. The inability to focus can be due to something unrelated. A pediatric sleep specialist can help detect if the lack of concentration is from sleep or attributed to something else. 

Exhausted in Morning 

One of the major signs that your child isn’t getting enough sleep is when they wake up unrested. 

It’s completely natural for energy to rise and fall throughout the day, but upon wake up your child should be well-rested. It’s normal for this to happen every once in a while, we can’t get a perfect twelve hours every night. If it’s a frequent occurrence, you may want to reach out for help.

Snoring and Breathing Interruptions 

Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a disruption in breathing while asleep. Any sleep issue associated with breathing and the ability to get sufficient air during sleep should be approached by a specialist. 

Frequent Wake Ups

After the dreaded baby sleep stage, children shouldn’t be having frequent wake-ups during the night.

If your child is consistently waking up multiple times a night, you should contact a sleep specialist. The wake-ups can be due to fear, anxiety, bedwetting, night terrors, and more. The specialist can help uncover the root issue.

Trouble Falling Asleep

Is your child’s bedtime routine the most dreaded part of the day? 

A child having trouble falling asleep is problematic for both the parents and the child. The child may not be able to get enough sleep before school starts. Additionally, the parents might not be able to get the necessary time to do work, chores, or even decompress.

When it becomes a regular thing, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Nightmares

Frequent night terrors are a common sleep problem seen in pediatric patients. 

Nightmares may be an issue if your child tends to wake up screaming. They may also shout for help or ends up in your bed on a regular basis. A pediatric sleep specialist can help your child combat their nightmares. 

Time for a Pediatric Sleep Specialist?

It’s crucial to know where to draw the line between developmental adjustments and actual sleep issues. That’s where a pediatric sleep specialist can come into play. 

Are you ready to take the leap to good sleep? Consult with an experienced pediatric sleep specialist near you.

At Sleep Dynamics, we know how important a good night’s rest is to both you and your child. Contact us today to discuss your sleep treatment options!