Sleep disorders affect more than 70 million Americans, including children. The most common sleep disorders are Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome, and Narcolepsy. If your child is having trouble with sleeping, or with daytime alertness, talk to your pediatrician. Note especially if your child:
- Snores loudly frequently or always
- Stops breathing for brief intervals during sleep
- Has trouble staying awake during the day
Sleep deprivation can cause daytime hyperactivity and decrease in focused attention. This can be mistaken for Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) or other behavior disorders.