According to studies, the prevalence of insomnia among adolescents or children between the ages of 12 to 17 is quite high. In fact, insomnia is often a chronic condition among adolescents, one caused by various factors including biological ones (like sleep apnea) and environmental ones (like lifestyle habits). One study published in Sleep suggested that insomnia is as common as anxiety disorders and substance abuse among adolescents, and deserving of as much attention and treatment. In this study, conducted over 1 year, researchers found 34% of the study participants reported experiencing common insomnia-like symptoms including daytime fatigue and sleepiness. These symptoms were largely the result of sleep deprivation however, and not insomnia. Roughly 4% to 6% of young adolescents today suffer from insomnia. These symptoms are sometimes prevalent in adolescents regardless of their age, family status, income, or gender. Still other studies show that adolescent insomnia can affect the future health of adolescents, which is why parents should be alert for the signs and symptoms of insomnia early on.
If you suspect your child may suffer from adolescent insomnia, make sure you are aware of the most common signs and symptoms of insomnia so you can schedule a doctor's appointment for your adolescent. The sooner you seek medical care, the more likely your child is to overcome chronic insomnia and lead a happier, safer life now and in the future.
Who To See For Help With Adolescent Insomnia
Data suggests your child's primary care doctor or pediatrician is likely the best place to seek quality care or intervention for adolescent insomnia, so don't worry about seeking out a sleep research center or specialist just yet. If you child's doctor recommends further studies, he will be able to provide you with information about the place to take your child. Most larger cities offer sleep centers where adolescents, children and adults can take advantage of special tests and studies that help evaluate more serious sleep disorders or problems. The chances are high, however, that your primary care doctor can diagnose and treat adolescent insomnia. Your adolescent will probably leave your healthcare provider's office with a list of tools or suggestions he or she can use to help overcome insomnia naturally. In some cases, when insomnia is caused by an underlying disorder, your child's doctor may treat the underlying disorder first, as this will usually alleviate the symptoms of insomnia.Common Signs & Symptoms Of Adolescent Insomnia
Here are the most common signs and symptoms of adolescent insomnia:- daytime fatigue
- sleepiness
- irritability or anger
- interpersonal problems
- behavioral problems
- changes in behavior
- changes in daily activity
- inability to fall asleep at night
- inability to stay asleep
You may find it difficult to distinguish the symptoms of insomnia from ordinary adolescent behavior. If this is the case don't worry, you are not alone. That is just one more reason you should schedule an appointment with your adolescent's doctor to talk about insomnia. You might also encourage your adolescent to keep a journal of his sleeping habits or problems so you can review it when you meet with his doctor. This will help your doctor diagnose insomnia and any other underlying conditions that may contribute to sleeplessness.
Lifestyle Changes That Prevent Adolescent Insomnia
You may want to make a point to talk with your child about his sleeping habits. Make sure your adolescent avoids caffeine and other stimulants that may affect his sleeping patterns. For example, you may want to limit the amount of soda or chocolate or other items you know may keep your adolescent awake or "high" on a sugar rush. Some parents find it is helpful to allow their adolescent a little time for extra sleep, as life children will undergo many developmental changes that will naturally cause them to feel more tired than usual during this stage of their life. Your healthcare provider may be able to provide you and your adolescent with helpful tips about coping with these changes, and adapting a healthy lifestyle, which will promote more wakefulness and a better attitude toward sleep and healthy living.You can assist your adolescent even further by adopting healthy lifestyle changes yourself. Stress for example, is a major cause for insomnia. If you find your life is overly stressful, then take some time out to de-stress. Find out what common factors you and your adolescent share. If you share the same stressors, then work together to develop a game plan for reducing stress so the whole family benefits. For example, if your child complains he doesn't have enough time to do household chores, and you do the same, why not break up household chores into smaller pieces? By taking time out to help your adolescent overcome insomnia, you will help your child sleep better, and bond with your child while doing it.
Sources:
Roberts, RE, Roberts, CR, Duong, HT. Chronic insomnia and its negative consequences for health and functioning of adolescents: a 12-month prospective study. J Adolesc Health, 2008 Mar; 42(3): 294-302.
Roberts, RE, Roberts, CR & Chan, W. Persistence and change in symptoms of insomnia among adolescents. Sleep, 2008. 31(2): 177-84.