Behavioural problems in children ''due to a lack of sleep''
Behavioural problems in children caused by a lack of quality sleep could be eased with new machines that keep airwaves in the throat open throughout the night.
The new positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines keep throat airways open and help to alleviate the daytime problems caused by obstructive sleep apnoea, which is a condition caused by an obstruction in the airway such as oversized tonsils or adenoids.
The findings appear in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, and researcher Carol Marcus, professor of paediatrics at the
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia commented: “The main message is that treatment, although it may be difficult to tolerate, can result in a significant improvement in childhood behaviour symptoms and quality of life.”
According to the research, three hours of extra sleep during the night can make a big difference in how children behave during the day. The test showed positive correlations between a good night's sleep and behavioural aspects throughout the day. All children showed improvements in attention, behaviour, sleepiness, and quality of life when they wore the mask while sleeping.
Sleep is as important in adults' behavioural changes as it is in children's, and a lack of quality sleep leaves us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings may develop and neurons also become depleted, leading to a lack of energy in the day.
Posted by Michael Ewing
