How do I know if she has a sleep problem?
It’s difficult to know whether or not your child has a sleep problem. You are the expert about your child, so if you are concerned – bring it up to her health care provider. Start noting a few things before you talk to your doctor: what time she goes to bed, what time she wakes up, how she falls asleep, or if she wakes during the night. The other thing to pay attention to is her breathing while she sleeps. Pay attention to whether or not your child snores, works hard to breathe, has pauses in breathing, or gasps for air while asleep. These things could be signs of something called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. If any of those things happen, bring that up to her health care provider right away. You can also take note of your child’s movement during sleep and whether or not she seems to have any physical discomfort as she falls asleep or during sleep.
As mentioned, you are the expert on your little one! If you have a concern, feel free to ask your health care provider about her sleep.
About Dr. Ariel Williamson
