Sleep Medicine

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children need anywhere from 8-16 hours of sleep a night, depending on their age. Adequate rest is essential for normal growth and development. If your child is struggling to sleep at night, the pediatric neurology team at THINK Neurology for Kids, with office locations in The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, and Austin, Texas, specializes in sleep medicine and can diagnose the cause of the sleep issue and develop an effective treatment plan. To schedule an appointment within a few days, not weeks or months, call the office nearest you or use the online booking button today.

Why is sleep important for children?

Sleep is important for children because of the health benefits they experience when getting an adequate amount of sleep. These benefits include improved:

• Behavior
• Attention
• Quality of life
• Learning
• Memory
• Physical and mental health

On the flip side, children who don’t get enough sleep are at greater risk of depression, obesity, hypertension, and injuries. 

How much sleep does a child need a night?

The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age. The AAP recommends the following.

• 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours
• 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours
• 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours
• 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours
• 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours

Anyone over age 18 should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night. 

If your child or teen has difficulty getting and staying asleep, and the lack of sleep is affecting their quality of life, the team at THINK Neurology for Kids can help.

What is sleep medicine?

Sleep medicine is a medical specialty at THINK Neurology for Kids that focuses on understanding the cause of your child’s poor sleeping habits. Then, based on data collected from the evaluation, your child’s doctor devises a plan to improve the quantity and quality of sleep. 

Common sleep disorders that affect children include:

• Central sleep apnea
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Narcolepsy
• Parasomnia
• Delayed sleep phase
• Restless leg syndrome
• Behavioral sleep disorders (nightmares, difficulty getting to bed)
• Sleepwalking

In addition to general health, these sleep disorders may also affect other health conditions such as asthma, autism, or seizure disorders.

What happens during a sleep medicine evaluation?

THINK Neurology for Kids conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you visit the office with concerns about your child’s sleep. Your child’s doctor reviews medical history, as well as sleep routine, and then conducts a physical exam. To better understand the underlying cause of sleeping difficulties, they may suggest a sleep study. 

Based on the information gathered during the evaluation, your child’s doctor may offer suggestions for how to improve your child’s sleeping habits, which may include behavior modification, changes to their sleep routine, or medication. 

**Please check back for information about when Sleep Medicine will be available at THINK Neurology for Kids**