People who averaged less than 7 hours of sleep a night were about 3 times more likely to develop cold symptoms than those who got 8 or more hours of sleep when exposed to the virus that causes colds.
Autism and Physical Symptoms
Autism is not just a brain problem. Many people with autism, which affects 1 in 110 children, often have physical symptoms including sleep disorders, seizures, energy problems, immune system issues, and digestive troubles. Treating these symptoms can improve the lives of autistic children. For example treating their stomach when gastrointestinal problems are evident may reduce distressed and autistic behaviors.
Sleep Schedule
Have your student re-establish their school sleep schedule at least a few days before school starts.
Study Results: Breathing Difficulties and Sleep
A British study was conducted on March 2012 where 8,000 parents with children ages 7 and under were investigated. The study found that children who snored or had other breathing difficulties during sleep were 50% more likely to have behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, temper tantrums, or anxiety.
Sleep & Smartphones
Constantly checking emails or surfing the web on a smartphone can stimulate the brain. Doing so right before bed with a smartphone can prevent kids from falling asleep. If your child has difficulty falling asleep, try limiting smartphone use before bed.
Sleep & Hunger
A growling empty stomach makes it harder for kids to fall asleep. This in turn can affect their schoolwork the next day.
Sleep & Room Temperature
Some kids have difficulty falling asleep when the room is too warm. Keeping the body cool slows down all of the metabolic processes. Try lowering the temperature of the room if your child has insomnia.
Sleep & Allergies / Asthma Insomnia
Sometimes insomnia can be from asthma and allergies. If your child has difficulty sleeping due to these, the underlying cause may be dust mites living in the mattress. You may try a mite resistant casing for your child’s bed and pillow.
Sleep & Blue Light Insomnia
The blue light glow from a TV, computer, cell phone, or digital clock may be keeping your child awake. The blue light suppresses the secretion of melatonin (a sleep promoting hormone). If your child has insomnia, have them read a book rather than watch TV or use the computer before bed. Also try covering up digital clocks if their light is blue colored. You may also want to replace the bedtime reading light with an orange light bulb. It’s glow lets you read or relax without actively inhibiting melatonin.
Sleep & Insomnia
Children that get too little sleep from insomnia may suffer from health and academic problems. Over the next several posts, we will give you tips on how to help your child fall asleep.