Children experience a variety sleep problems, including fragmented sleep, talking during sleep, sleepwalking, difficulty falling asleep, feeling sleepy during the day, having nightmares or sleep terrors, and bedwetting. Bedwetting is one of the most common sleep problems associated with childhood. It can be caused by medical disorders like diabetes, a urinary tract infection, sleep apnea, or epilepsy, but it's more often a temporary, age-related condition. Sleepwalking is also a common problem, and it tends to reach its peak in children about twelve years of age. Although children generally outgrow this condition as well, it can be dangerous, and precautions should be taken to ensure the child isn't hurt during an episode. Many children experience nightmares or sleep terrors. Nightmares are generally no cause for concern, but parents should keep in mind that children's dreams are generally more vivid than adult's, and nightmares can be extremely frightening. Sleep terrors are different from nightmares. Children who experience sleep terrors will often scream uncontrollably and appear to be awake, but remain confused and unable communicate. Sleep terrors can be a sign of a more serious problem, and should be reported to a physician. Most childhood sleep problems are related to irregular sleep habits or to anxiety about going to bed and falling asleep. Young children tend to regard sleep as a time of separation from their parents, and they sometimes feel fear and anxiety as a result. One way to minimize sleep problems is for parents to develop consistent sleep routines for their children. For more information, consult a health are provider.
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