If you are a parent, you know that sometimes, kids will just be, well, kids. Other times, signs of potential developmental disorders may be appearing as what others will claim is just typical child behavior. If your child falls into that second category, there are a few ways to check if they are suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or are experiencing a different problem altogether.
ADHD is an umbrella term for a disorder that also includes older diagnoses of ADD. Now commonly referred to simply as ADHD, this is characterized by an inability to focus, pay attention, sit still and play quietly. Children who have ADHD may also talk loudly, interrupt frequently or have trouble completing assigned tasks (either at home or school).
As there are many factors that can contribute to an ADHD diagnosis in North Carolina (and there is no end-all-be-all ADHD test), it is important to note that other circumstances can also cause some of those characteristics — including sleep deprivation, or not getting enough sleep.
Children who have not slept as much as they should can experience some of the same symptoms that are attributed to ADHD, including:
REM is much more than just the name of a popular alternative band –– it’s also an important sleep stage that leads to what’s usually the most memorable portion of sleeping: dreams. Also known as rapid eye movement, REM makes up about a quarter of your total sleep cycle and occurs about an hour to an hour and a half after you fall asleep.
REM is not completely understood by scientists, but it may help with everything from moods to how you learn and memory retention. This stage of sleep is when your brain is the most active and dreams occur. This is also the most elusive stage of sleep as you age. Although the exact reason is not known, babies can spend close to double the amount of time as adults in REM sleep.
Dreaming is important, because it can help your body balance out several health issues. Those who are deprived of dreaming for prolonged periods of time may experience:
If you’re having trouble staying asleep or making it through all four sleep cycles on a regular basis (which can occur multiple times per night), not to worry. At My CPAP Club, we have several resources in place to help you sleep better and ultimately lead a healthier life. Whether you’re in need of machines, masks, supplies or accessories, My CPAP Club has the sleep solutions you’re looking for. We can also ship to anywhere in the United States –– meaning that you won’t be excluded from a good night’s sleep due to your location.
Ready to get back to restful nights? Contact one of our sleep specialists online today to start on your way to nights full of sleep and dreams.