Children's Sleep Problems - Why Your Child May Not Be Getting the Right Amount

Sleep is vital for children to function properly during the day in preschool, kindergarten, daycare, or wherever they go during the day. Even for stay-at-home toddlers, it is very important for them to get all of their recommended hours of shut-eye.


Although sleep is extremely important for kids, they may not be getting enough of it.


If you think your child is not getting enough sleep, pay attention to the signs and clues. Your child may be very irritable during the day and not willing to listen. Appetites may change and they may complain about bodily issues like headaches and tummy aches.


Take a look at what they are doing at night. If they go to bed late, it may affect how much sleep they initially get. Another thing to look for is how they are sleeping when they do fall asleep. A lot of tossing and turning may indicate a sleeping problem.


If they are complaining almost daily about nightmares, or they wake you up at night with moaning or screaming, that may be the reason why they are not getting enough sleep.


Children are very sensitive beings and events that you may think are little may be enormous to them. The death of a close family member, the divorce of parents, a traumatic event, or even a friend moving away may change their sleeping patterns. For toddlers, even moving furniture around in their room can upset them enough to where it affects their sleep.


If you suspect that your child is suffering from sleeping problems, get them checked out at your local physician. Your child needs just as much sleep as you do, so make sure you do everything you can to help them get it!