Your child needs to have enough hours of restful sleep, just as they need proper food and physical activities, for good health and development. It is a critical activity for them because much of the repairing and healing of the body happens in sleep. Obviously, those benefits are not likely to happen when they have trouble sleeping because of certain sleep disorders, such as nightmares and insomnia.

Figuring Out the Figures

Sleep disorders among young children are widespread, and therefore, deserve proper attention. According to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), “more than two out of every three children ages 10 and under have experienced some type of sleep problem.” Meanwhile, the results of a study undertaken by Northwestern University Medical Center shows that “less sleep at night means more behavioral problems during the day.” There are other studies that link sleeplessness with reduced alertness and productivity, resulting in poor performance in school.

Get to Know Their Sleep Problems

There are varied types of sleep difficulties. One of which is experiencing nightmares. If a child is afraid of the dark or has an overactive imagination, the slightest sound can leave them feeling jumpy and jittery. Their scary dreams may keep them awake for long hours each night. Take note though that nightmares may also be manifestations of your child’s emotional state. Nightmares and insomnia must never be dismissed without looking further. Apart from losing sleep, they can also be real symptoms of something more

If your child is having difficulty falling asleep or going back to sleep because of nightmares, you need to help end this cycle. Sleep is incredibly important to your child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Horrible nightmares may cause your child to avoid, even fear sleeping, which in turn may cause other problems. These concerns can include insomnia, poor health, low self-esteem, anxiety and more. Bad dreams can be signs of unresolved conflicts and internal turmoil. You can help stop the nightmares by listening to what your child is not telling you. This can be complicated to do, working with a skilled child therapist can help.

Help with Counseling

Unfortunately, your child has to face their fear in their dreams. While you may not be there to shield your child from whatever is making them afraid, you can help them by ensuring that they have the right support.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with skilled child therapists that can help you to put an end to your child’s sleep troubles. You and your child deserve rest, start getting the sleep you need with counseling. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling and in person sessions are available.

Related Articles:

• Pediatric Insomnia: What You Need to Know About it
• Pediatric Insomnia: Reading This Sign of Emotional Issues
• Recurring Nightmare – Empowering You Child and Yourself
• A Second Look at Insomnia in Children: Because Child Sleep Matters
• Children’s Nightmares: What Can You Do to Help Your Child?