Does your child have a regular sleep schedule? Does he seem to have problems going to sleep? Does she have night terrors? These could be problems that follow your child into adulthood and cause serious problems.
A recent study found a link between poor sleep in children and mental health problems. Researchers from Goldsmiths, University of London, and Tel Aviv University found that insomnia, disturbed sleep, and nightmares in children are linked with mental health problems for older children and adults. “Disorders typically start early in life so it’s negligent to ignore the childhood and adolescence period when trying to understand the development of psychopathology.” according to Dr. Alice Gregory.
Nightmares and night terrors have been related to psychotic episodes such as schizophrenia. Children who have irregular sleeping patterns or who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to be diagnosed with mania or bi-polar disorder.
Regular sleep routines, enough sleep, and healthy sleep habits can help children stay healthier. While they admit co-sleeping could cause poor quality sleep, it is a solution to help children deal with anxiety.
