When it comes to kids and schools, it can be easy to think that studying for exams, doing homework, and paying attention in class is the best way for your child to be a successful student. But what if it really starts in your home and at night?
Making sure children get good, quality sleep is a key factor in setting up your child for success. We need good and continuous sleep for normal growth and development, and part of development includes learning. Whether you have a young child getting ready to learn new things or a teen who needs to prepare for the SATs or ACTs in the fall, the amount and quality of sleep they get each night will set them up for success.
Did you know that one of the most common sleep disturbances in children is obstructive sleep apnea? That’s right, not just adults or those who are overweight can struggle with this.
Obstructive sleep apnea means that you are having difficulty breathing and sleeping at the same time. It prevents the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and sleep deeply.
If you find that your child is struggling with nighttime awakenings, restless, sweaty sleep, snoring, and mouth breathing, this could be a sign that your child has sleep apnea. To know for sure, and to help them be set up for success come fall when important learning and assessments take place, call a sleep center or a pediatric pulmonology group for a sleep study.
Valley’s pediatric pulmonology and sleep team diagnoses and treats all types of respiratory diseases and sleep disorders in infants, children, and adolescents, offering a high level of medical expertise and child-friendly focused care that puts young patients and their families at ease.
For more information about pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine at Valley, please click here.
About the Author
Dr. Lewis Kass serves as the Medical Director of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine for Valley Medical Group.
