Sleep disturbances in children is a much more frequent problem than is believed. It is estimated that 30% of Spanish children suffer from childhood insomnia. This is characterized by the child's difficulty in falling asleep alone, having a super-official sleep with frequent awakenings at night and in the end it is summed up in sleeping less hours than the child needs. Sleeping a minimum number of hours for each age is essential for the child's cognitive maturation.
90% of cases of childhood insomnia are due to the acquisition by the child of incorrect habits during the early stages of his childhood, such as the flexibility of schedules by the parents or the lack of affection on the part of them .
These children do not suffer any psychological alteration or any disease, they simply have an alteration in their biological rhythms because they have not acquired a correct habit. They are often more nervous during the day and lack of concentration, but if the problem is corrected in time, the child will return to normal behavior.
It is necessary to intercept these problems soon since, in many cases, these alterations can remain and stabilize in the adult. This requires an early medical and psychological approach. Occasionally, you may need drug treatment. Mild cases can be remedied with changes in the child's activities before falling asleep, such as getting used to reading a story every night in a different room where the child sleeps, so that the bedtime story is not essential. Other measures are to put strict limits on bedtime. The room must be dark and have an adequate temperature. The child should always sleep in his bed (never with the parents) and get used to sleeping alone, without having to use the pacifier or a toy, or without having to be cradled, that is, without help. It is not advisable to watch television or use video games just before going to bed, as they can excite you and make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
It is important to see a specialist, if the problem persists.
Via | Medical journal More information | Home web In Babies and more | Childhood insomnia, bad habits are usually the cause
