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Sleep & Your Health -
Avoid Disease
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Recent research shows that untreated sleep disorders in children can lead to impaired working memory, reduced levels of wakefulness, and symptoms like that of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
What are the Signs of an Underlying Sleep Disorder?
Below are a few questions you can ask your child if you suspect he or she may have an underlying sleep disorder.
- Do you snore or stop breathing during sleep?
- Do you seem sleepy or hyperactive during the day?
- Do you wake up multiple times at night?
- Do you need to wiggle your legs to get comfortable at sleep time?
- Do you kick or move your legs after falling asleep?
- Does it take you longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep?
- Do you sleep less than 8 hours on school nights?
- Do you have any behaviors during sleep, such as walking, hitting, screaming, acting out dreams, or kicking?
If you answered Yes to 2 or more questions you may have an underlying sleep disorder.
What Daytime Symptoms do I Look For?
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Decreased academic performance
- Impaired vigilance
- Inattention
- Difficulty in controlling impulsive reactions
- Memory problems
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