Pediatric Sleep
Pediatric Sleep Disorders: Facts or Myths?
As per the American academy for pediatric, it has been estimated that 25% to 50% of the current pediatric population may have “Some form” of sleep disorders. They also state that almost 40% of adolescents suffer from the same.
Most would agree that sleep plays a crucial part in early childhood and well beyond. It plays a very important role in optimal growth, memory consolidation, developing motor skills.
Sleep Needs Age wise for the pediatric Population
| Age | Sleep Need (hrs) | Night Sleep (hrs) | # of Naps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 Months | 10.5–18 | Through the day/night | They nap all the time |
| 2–12 Months | 14–15 | 9–10 | 3–2 naps |
| 1–2 Years | 12–14 | 11–12 | 2–1 nap |
| 2–3 Years | 12–14 | 11–12 | 1 nap |
| 3–5 Years | 11–13 | 11–11.5 | 1–0 naps |
| 5–12 Years | 10–11 | 10–11 | Child’s wish |
| 13–18 Years | 8.5–9.5 | 8.5–9.5 | Child’s wish |
Effects of inadequate Sleep on pediatric populations:
Children appear to behave grumpy, disruptive, with ramifications such as poor school performance, & hyperactivity similar to symptoms that mimic ADHD. American Academy of Pediatrics, children below the ages of 5 are routinely sleep deprived. This leads to worry as these children are more prone to childhood allergic rhinitis, immune system problems, anxiety, depression, possible future cardiovascular risks, obesity and possible diabetes/blood pressure as adults.
The adolescents in turn have been known and recorded to display long-term ill effects such as poor academic and mental health.
While a LOT more work needs to be done in the field of pediatric sleep within India and Indian subcontinent, we can try to learn from the Wester countries to better the sleep lives of our children.
Indian demographics show that we are currently the youngest country in the world with more than 50% to 52% of our population being under the age of 28! Old them a large % are within the 0-18 years range. As these children grow up in a highly competitive and demanding world and several of them aspiring to become world leaders, we ALL need to focus on the sleep needs of this strata of population keenly and urgently.