3 Childhood sleep saboteurs: explained

The number of children in affected by sleep disorders in the UAE is on the rise say experts at the London Sleep Centre in Dubai.

According to a study published in the Middle East Current Psychiatry journal, around a third (33.6%) of those aged four to 12 have a sleep related disorder which, if left untreated, can have a negative effect on learning and development.

“It’s important to identify and treat sleep disorders from an early age,” says Dr Steven Olmos, a specialist in Dental Sleep Medicine & Craniofacial Pain. “Kids who don’t sleep well can experience a reduced oxygen flow to the brain that disrupts restorative sleep – something that’s critical for brain development. In turn, this creates problems in areas of the brain that control the ability of toddlers and children to be attentive, manage behaviour and regulate emotions. The result is often increased hyperactivity.”

Sleep disorders in kids are typically difficult to diagnose but the best way to be on the lookout is to pay close attention to how your children snooze.

“If you notice any shallow breathing or pauses in breathing while your child is asleep or they are experiencing jaw pain, headaches or even difficulty in normal mouth functions such as jaw pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing consult a paediatrician and, if possible, ask for a referral to a sleep specialist,” advises Dr Olmos.

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