Sleep
Families and cultures vary widely in their attitude to bed times and hours of sleep. In some cultures where people sleep when they are tired, sleep disorders are unknown. In the UK sleep difficulties are common among young children and adolescents, including waking frequently and nightmares. It may be difficult for your child to fall asleep. Lack of sleep causes tiredness during the day.
For most children, the difficulty is a transient problem. Occasionally sleep is linked with emotional or physical issues that need attention.
A consultant paediatrician will discuss the issues with you. You may be reassured that your child's sleeping pattern is normal for his or her stage of development.
Diagnosis begins with the meeting between doctor and child, when the doctor will do an examination, and build a picture of your child's life. We work closely with parents and carers. Your doctor may suggest some diagnostic tests. Dr Adam Fox, paediatric allergist, may help if allergies interfere with sleep.
Medical treatment is occasionally recommended, although usually lifestyle advice is the first course of action.
Your doctor or a family therapist can offer practical advice and answer any queries you have about potential allergens (e.g. dust mites) that might interfere with sleep. We also advise on gentle relaxation at the end of a day.
Emotional support may be one of the keys, combined with practical tips for coping and making a transition from 'a family with a sleep problem' to a family who adapts and sleeps well. Our 'Emo team' spans child psychology, family therapy, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Sometimes addressing adult upsets and relationship difficulties in a family, or sibling issues or bullying, reduces a child's anxiety and improves sleep. As parents you may also value individual support.
Viveka hosts a number of groups that may be helpful. Our sleep clinic targeted to families with young children has impressive results, while Babiesknow and Babiesgrow workshops provide advice around family sleeping.
The range of complementary therapies available at Viveka often provide relief, frequently under the guidance from a paediatrician. A therapy such as cranial osteopathy may help your child relax by reducing or releasing tension in the nervous system. Tension may sometimes have its roots in digestive discomfort, anxiety or even depression. Some children respond to gentle homeopathic remedies, and acupressure can be used.
Did you know?
All children and adults follow a sleep cycle ranging from deep, dreamless sleep, to light REM (dream sleep) and even wakefulness, during the course of one night. For many children, dreams can become very vivid often between the ages of 7 and 9. And among teenagers, extra sleep - including late morning lie-ins - is a healthy norm. Hormones and growth spurts play a role in duration and quality of sleep at every stage.
