Sleep problems in children and adolescents are very common and often the cause of concern and distress for both the child and the family. They can affect behaviour, learning and sometimes physical health. There are many possible causes for sleep problems, some psychological, others physical, and
this book will help you to identify and explain problems in your own child, leading you to the appropriate advice or treatment as necessary.
The book starts by explaining the importance and nature of sleep and the changes that occur as your child grows up. It then describes why children
may not sleep well at different ages from babyhood to adolescence, the causes of being excessively sleepy during the day, and the types of unusual behaviours or experiences that a child can have at night. The various types of treatment needed for these problems are explained.
The later
chapters discuss those children who are especially liable to have sleep problems, the ways in which sleep problems may be mistaken for other conditions, the ways in which unsatisfactory sleep can be spotted at home and at school, and how to get help for your child's disturbed sleep.
Throughout the book, cases are described to illustrate how children with various sleep disorders have been correctly diagnosed and treated. The book is intended to raise awareness of the importance of children's sleep disorders, as well as their recognition and treatment. It is written mainly for
parents but will also be of interest to anyone involved in the care and welfare of children.
GENERAL ASPECTS OF SLEEP AND ITS DISORDERS
1. Normal sleep
2. Disturbed sleep
SLEEP PROBLEMS AND THEIR UNDERLYING CAUSES
3. Sleeplessness
4. Babies who don't sleep well
5. Sleepless toddlers and preschool children (1-4 years)
6. School-age children who
can't sleep
7. Sleeplessness (insomnia) in adolescents
8. Excessive daytime sleepiness
9. Lack of sleep as a cause of being very sleepy
10. Excessive sleepiness due to disturbed sleep
11. Sleep disorders which make you sleep too much
12. Strange behaviour or experiences at
night (parasomnias)
13. Parasomnias when going to sleep waking up
14. Parasomnias mainly early in the night when lightly asleep
15. Parasomnias when deeply asleep: 'arousal disorders'
16. Parasomnias mainly later in the night
17. Parasomnias which occur at various times of
night
18. Unusual behaviour at night associated with medical conditions
19. Psychiatric disorders which cause unusual behaviour at night
20. Children at high risk of sleep disorders
21. Misinterpretation of children's sleep disorders
22. Being vigilant
23. Getting help for
your child's sleep disorder
RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS
FURTHER READING
GLOSSARY
INDEX
There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.
Professor Gregory Stores is Emeritus Professor of Developmental Neuropsychiatry in the University of Oxford. He has directed a sleep disorders service for patients of all ages since [check date], and has undertaken extensive research on sleep disorders and their treatment, as well as the
effects of disturbed sleep on behaviour, performance and well-being.
