Don''t assume babies'' disrupted sleep patterns will pass
06/01/2012
If your newborn baby is failing to settle at night, a recent report may not put your mind at ease for the future.
Experts from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio found that sleeplessness in early life can easily continue into a child's toddler years.
These sleep problems can cover a number of conditions, so if your child suffers from nightmares, waking up during the night or struggles to doze off, then they could be affected for years to come.
Published in the journal Pediatrics, figures show that as many as one in three children has a condition that influences their ability to sleep.
Another common issue that many of you may recognise is that kids won't sleep in their own beds, instead insisting on resting next to you and your partner.
Around six to eight out of every 100 children without any sleep issues developed one at a later stage, while 21 to 35 per cent with a condition still had it further along the line.
Lead author and paediatric psychologist Kelly Byars said: "Oftentimes the message is, 'Don't worry about Susie, this is typical and it will get better'."
However, the research shows that this often isn't the case, suggesting that you might want to seek professional guidance on improving your kid's sleep sooner rather than later.
Sleep problems may change slightly as your child gets older, the research found, with youngsters under two years old commonly finding it hard to fall and stay asleep.
By the time they reach the age of three, restless and nightmares are more prevalent.
One thing you can do to make it easier for your little one to doze off it establish a sense of routine at bedtime, as this will help them recognise when it is time to wind down.
This might include having a warm bath, reading them a story, or giving them a glass of warm milk.
Posted by Michael Ewing
