Diagnosing Child Sleep Problems If your child is not getting sufficient sleep,he or she will display signs of  fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and inability to concentrate and focus. Generally, children between the ages 5-12 years need between 10 and 11 hours of sleep a night. Teens aged 13-14 years need about 8 and 9 hours of sleep each night, while those 15 years and older need 8 hours of sleep.  Common sleep problems may simply require establishing good sleeping routines, and ensuring that your child feels safe and secure. However, if sleep problems worsen consult your pediatrician or doctor. A physical examination and medical history will be taken to rule out any underlying disorders. Your doctor may also refer your child to a sleep specialist to monitor his or her sleep patterns and determine the root of the problem. What Causes Child Sleep Problems? If you find yourself struggling to put your child to sleep or your child is waking often, these are some of the possible causes: Lack of a routine or formal bedtime ritual Separation Anxiety Disorder Family problems Childhood Depression or trauma Formula or food sensitivity Diet high in sugar or stimulants such as coffee and tea Airborne allergens Teething Colic Pain such as earache, or abdominal gas Discomfort such as being thirsty, hungry, hot, cold or a wet bed Intestinal worms Urinary tract infection External factors such as noise, thirst, hunger, heat, or cold, a wet bed and even uncomfortable pajamas may keep your child awake at night.

Help for Child Sleep Problems Treatment typically depends on the type of sleep problems. As children mature, they often overcome and outgrow sleep disorders. More serious sleep disorders require medical treatment. Night terrors very seldom require medical intervention, and in most cases, you simply have to make your child as comfortable as possible. Children often outgrow sleep walking, but it would be wise to implement safety precautions.  Treating nighttime bedwetting involves bladder control training, reinforcement and responsibility training, conditioning or medication. anxiety  that is brought on by having to go may be relieved by developing effective coping strategies such as reassurance, calming bedtime routines, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In children with sleep apnea, their tonsils and adenoids removal may be an option, or they may be treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).   Natural Remedies A more natural and gentle alternative to allopathic medicine that helps to promote peaceful sleeping patterns in children is the use of herbal and homeopathic remedies. These remedies are non-addictive and safe, without any side effects. Herbs such as Matricaria recutita (Chamomilla) safely relax young children, while at the same promoting drowsiness. It also calms digestive upsets and colic, soothes teething toddlers and treats anxiety. Passiflora incarnata is a powerful herb used as a mild sedative and tranquilizer and is effective for colic symptoms. Homeopathic remedies such as Coffea C30 and Cina C30 are excellent in pacifying oversensitive, irritable children at bedtime. Children who tend to throw temper tantrums, toss and turn in their sleep, grind their teeth and have intestinal worms will also benefit from homeopathic formulations.

Bad Dream Sprinkles Promotes sweet dreams, night-time comfort and restful sleep in young children $39.95 + S&H $79.90 + S&H MindSoothe Jr Promotes emotional stability and balanced mood in children $39.95 + S&H $79.90 + S&H Sleep Tonic: Homeopathic remedy temporarily relaxes tension and increases drowsiness for better sleep   $25.95 + S&H $51.90 + S&H