Sleep Disorders: Can They be the Reason Behind Behavior Problems?
The association between sleep disorders and ADHD makes sense. Lack of sleep can predispose a child to behave erratically during the day. In mild cases of ADHD, especially, reducing sleep problems brings about changes in behavior and attitude. Fifty percent of parents with ADHD children report that their children have difficulty sleeping. They are disturbed by nightmares, disordered breathing or Restless Leg Syndrome. Restless Leg Syndrome Many ADHD children experience Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS. This is a problem characterized by odd sensations or feelings in the leg. Some children report a sense of "crawlers" inside the leg. Invariably the child gets out of bed and moves about because movement relieves the symptoms. RLS tends to become more pronounced during the evening and night. Studies suggest that Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD are genetically linked. Both are related to low levels of dopamine in the brain.Dopamine affects brain processes that regulate movement and emotional response. Other Sleep Disorders Other sleep issues include sleep apnea,breathing difficulty which includes snoring and obstructive breathing. Professional consultation is advised for the child under these circumstances to rule out allergies, asthma or problems with the tonsils. Bipolar children complain of insomnia during manic episodes. Insomnia can also accompany anxiety attacks and depression. Recent Research Suggests Link Between Insomnia and Depression A study in Zurich University Psychiatric Hospital in Switzerland confirms that a high correlation exists between persistent In this study, researchers focused on almost 600 young adults whose psychiatric, physical and sleep symptoms were assessed over a span of 20 years. Results of the study suggest that insomnia and depression in young adults. is not just a symptom of depression, but may actually precede depression. Researchers found that in 40 percent of the young adults studied, insomnia developed into more chronic forms over time. Longer episodes of insomnia presented a more ominous concern:insomnia lasting two weeks or more tended to predict major depressive episodes and major depressive disorder at subsequent interviews. Another study at the University of Pittsburgh suggests that even insomnia in parents can have consequences for offspring. A history of insomnia in parents is associated with both an increased risk of insomnia and increased risk of suicidal behavior in adolescent offspring. Examining the profiles of almost 800 teenagers, researchers discovered that adolescents of parents with sleep issues were two times more likely to report insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. What these studies suggest is that sleep disorders and behaviors are generally correlated and complaints of sleep disturbances in children should be taken seriously. What You Can Do to Help Children Get Better Sleep If your child complains of sleep disturbances, try these remedies first. 1. Help the child develop a sleep routine or ritual that can signal the brain that it is time for sleep. 2. Reduce stress in the child's life. Be approachable so your child can open up and confide in you. 3. Make sure your child gets adequate exercise during the day. 4. Make sure he or she is on a healthy, balanced diet which means several servings of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and essential fats. Eliminate sodas; they contain too much caffeine and sugar. Should sleep disorders persist, consult your doctor. Why Sleep is Particularly Important to Adolescents Studies show that chronic insomnia in adolescents is linked to increased risk of depression, substance abuse and emotional issues. It is recommended that teens get at least 9 hours of sleep every night. Maintaining consistent sleep hygiene, that is, establishing a sleep routine for teenagers can help in this regard. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers the following tips to help teens develop healthy sleep habits:
1. Try to get close to nine hours of sleep each night. Get enough sleep so that you wake up refreshed and alert for the day. 2. Try to wind down and relax before bedtime. Avoid intense studying, arguing and exercising. Stop playing video or computer games and enjoy some quiet time before bed. 3.Avoid bright lights in the evening. Darkness lets your body know it's time to sleep. 4.Try to get bright light in the morning. This helps reset your clock for the next night. Turn on bright lights and open your blinds when you get up. Getting exercise in the morning also may help. 5.Try to catch up on any lost sleep when you can. Naps can be helpful to catch up with lost sleep, but don't nap in the evening. Sleeping later on weekends can help catch up with lost sleep. But do not sleep later than two to three hours past your normal weekday wake up time, especially on Sunday mornings. 6.Avoid stimulants such as caffeine in the afternoon and evening. 7.Do not drive if you are sleepy. Driving sleepy can be as dangerous as driving drunk. Sleep Disorders can be the cause of problem behavior; they can also be a sign of serious emotional issues. Disclaimer: The above information is meant only to inform and should never displace professional consultation.
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