He may sleepwalk for just a few minutes or much longer – even half an hour or more. He may get up and walk around or even engage in activities like getting dressed or playing. His eyes will be open, but he'll have a blank look on his face. If your child walks in his sleep, he may appear to be awake, but he's not. You might also try soothing your toddler at bedtime with a soak in the tub, a little back rub, and extra cuddling. It's a good idea to ask the dentist to check for problems, though. In most cases, teeth grinding isn't harmful, and it's likely your child will outgrow the habit without you having to do anything about it. There are lots of reasons that your toddler might grind her teeth – including tension, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or pain (from an earache or teething, for example). She can help you determine whether your child needs to be evaluated and treated. But if you suspect he may have sleep apnea, start by telling his doctor about it. Most sleeping positions are harmless, so just let your toddler be – even if he looks uncomfortable to you. (Children with sleep apnea do this to keep the airway open while sleeping because tipping their head back or sleeping in a more upright position helps keep their airway open.) If your toddler sleeps with his head hanging over the side of the bed or raised on top of a stuffed animal, it could be a sign of sleep apnea, according to sleep expert Jodi Mindell. There are a couple of positions that might signal a problem, though. Some toddlers sleep folded up on their hands and knees with their bottom in the air. One toddler may prefer sleeping on his side or splayed out on his back like a starfish. Some have a favorite sleeping position that they settle into for long periods, while others are all over the place. Many toddlers are restless sleepers, changing position numerous times during the night. If you suspect that twitching, jerking, or restless legs syndrome is causing your child's sleep problems, give her doctor a call. Some kids have a related condition called restless legs syndrome, in which their legs feel tingly or uncomfortable, or they feel an overwhelming urge to move around. Inadequate levels of iron or folic acid can cause this, so mention it to your child's doctor. The movements aren't painful, but they can keep your child from getting a restful night's sleep. ![]() Your child's legs may twitch or jerk, or she may flex her ankles. They can go on for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. These movements usually last just a few seconds and happen a couple of times a minute. Some children twitch and jerk while sleeping or when falling asleep. Read our article on head banging in toddlers to get tips on what to do if your child's rocking is unusually loud or vigorous and how to help him unwind without rocking. Head banging alone rarely signals a serious problem. Head banging can be associated with developmental disorders like autism, but it's just one of many behavioral red flags. Rocking and head banging usually start in the first year, and most children outgrow these behaviors by age 3 or 4. ![]() Some toddlers rock or head bang to distract themselves from pain – from an ear infection, for example. Although this can be upsetting to watch, think of it as being similar to a child sucking his thumb or twirling his hair to fall asleep. Obesity can also affect breathing and cause OSA.Your toddler may rock back and forth on all fours or sit up to rock, bang his head on the side of the crib, or both. The main cause of OSA are enlarged adenoids (glands on the roof of the mouth that produce white blood cells) or tonsils (glands at the back of the throat that filter bacteria/viruses and prevent unwanted objects from going down the throat).Įnlarged or swollen adenoids or tonsils can block airflow through the mouth and nose. What are the causes of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? Resources for Transgender Youth and Their Families.Pediatric Clinical Trials & Experimental Medication.Nursing Transition to Practice Programs.Child Life and Music Therapy Training Opportunities. ![]()
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