How Do I Know if My Child Has a Sleep Problem?

By Judy Owens Jodi Mindell

Some sleep problems are immediately obvious to parents, such as sleepwalking and bedtime resistance. Others may not be so obvious, such as periodic limb movement disorder. But since sleep problems can have very significant consequences for children's health and functioning, it is very important for parents to know and recognize the symptoms of a possible sleep problem in their child or teenager. The best way to deal with most sleep problems is to find them early and treat them as soon as possible. That way, little sleep problems are much less likely to become big (or even lifelong).

BEARS

We have developed a simple set of sleep questions for parents called the BEARS. Each letter stands for a different potential sleep problem area. Ask yourself the following questions to help identify sleep issues that might be a concern in your child.

= Bedtime

Does your child have difficulty going to bed? Falling asleep?

= Excessive daytime sleepiness

Is your child always difficult to wake up in the morning?

Does your child seem sleepy or groggy during the day?

Does he or she often seem overtired (this can mean moody, "hyper," or "out of it" as well as sleepy)?

= Awakenings during the night

Does your child wake up at night? Have trouble falling back to sleep?

Does anything else seem to interrupt his sleep?

= Regularity and duration of sleep

What time does my child go to bed and get up on weekdays? Weekends?

How much sleep does he or she get? Need?

= Snoring

Does your child snore? Loudly? Every night? Does he ever stop breathing or choke or gasp during sleep?

A yes answer to one or more of these questions could mean that your child has a sleep problem that should be looked into further. Be sure to talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

Next: Sleep Stealers: What May be Robbing Your Child of a Good Night's Sleep