Sleep Disorders

Did you know that 57.8% of Middle Schoolers (grades 6-8) and 72.7% of High Schoolers (grades 9-12) did not get enough sleep on school nights?

There are many reasons why teens aren’t getting enough sleep. However some teens may be experiencing Sleep Disorders, including:

This guide can help educate you on common and not so common disorders. If you or a teen you know is experiencing symptoms make sure to speak with a doctor or sleep expert to get assistance.

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Healio spoke with Geisinger pediatric neurologist Anne Marie Morse, DO, about common sleep challenges in pediatric patients, how to treat these challenges, how events like daylight saving time and the beginning of a new school year affect children’s sleep and more.

Narcolepsy in Teens & Kids

One sign of narcolepsy in teens & kids is excessive daytime sleepiness. However, not everyone with narcolepsy has the same symptoms. You may fall asleep suddenly, have muscle weakness or loss of control, a temporary inability to move or speak, or even excessive or unregulated waking and dreaming at night. Unfortunately, this means that many teens with narcolepsy may have a very hard time sticking to a regular sleep and exercise schedule. This may create a temptation to blame their symptoms on laziness or a lack of personal discipline.

Since studies show that narcolepsy is associated with higher rates of certain medical conditions, teens & kids with narcolepsy may want to pay extra attention to their overall health. The following articles will help you understand what this condition is and how you can get back on the road to great sleep and daytime function.

Parasomnia

Parasomnias are unwanted events or experiences that occur while sleeping. These behaviors or events can occur at any stage of sleep, even including the transition from sleeping to wakefulness. Some of the most common parasomnias include somnambulism (sleepwalking), somniloquy (sleep talking), nightmares or night terrors, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), and teeth grinding. Though parasomnias can range in severity and frequency, they all can negatively impact your quality of sleep. Depending on the type of parasomnia you have, it may also impact the sleep of your friends and family.

If you have been experiencing symptoms that match up with parasomnia, it is best to consult your doctor. Some parasomnias can be dangerous if left untreated – especially those that involve you getting up and moving around while you are still asleep and unaware of your surroundings.

The good news is that like other sleep disorders, these are treatable. We recommend browsing these helpful articles on different forms of parasomnia. Educate yourself today and learn how you can get plenty of restful sleep again.

Sleep Apnea in Teens & Kids

Sleep Apnea in teens & kids revolves around difficulty breathing during sleep, which in turn disrupts your sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (which is caused by a complete or partial obstruction of your airway while you sleep resulting in a near or complete cessation of breathing) is the most common, however there are a few different types of sleep apnea. You may also have central sleep apnea (which is a neurological issue that leads to disrupted breathing and sleep fragmentation) or mixed sleep apnea (a blend of obstructive and central sleep apnea).

The following articles will help you learn about sleep apnea and common treatments – so you can visit a doctor or sleep specialist with all the info you need.

Sleep Related Movement Disorders

Sleep Related Movement Disorders are movements during sleep or just before falling asleep. It can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, or to get restful sleep if you have one of these conditions.

Sleep-Wake Disorders

Did you know there are two systems in our bodies that interact to influence when we sleep and when we are awake? One is sleep-wake homeostasis and the other is circadian rhythm. A sleep-wake disorder happens when your body’s internal clock doesn’t match with your environment.