 Parents Should Help Children Overcome Sleep Problems
Young children with sleep problems, such as insomnia, may be prone to turn to alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes in their early teen years, a new study shows.
When a mother reported her child as having sleep problems - at ages 3 to 5 - that child was twice as likely to have drug and alcohol abuse problems.
Boys Sleeping Badly
When it was recruited 257 boys from families, many of which (60%) were considered high risk for drug and alcohol abuse, because the father was an alcoholic.
- Mothers rated their sons' early childhood (aged 3 to 5) sleep problems, problems such as overtiredness and having trouble sleeping. Also were reported by mothers attention problems anxiety or depression symptoms, and signs of aggressive behavior.
- The boys themselves reported on their drinking, smoking, and drug use habits from age 12 to 14.
It was found that those with early childhood sleep problems were:
• Twice as likely to start using alcohol by 12 to 14.
• Twice as likely to be regular smokers.
• Twice as likely to use illicit drugs.
• Three times more likely to use marijuana.
These findings held true - even after anxiety, depression, aggression, and attention problems were taken into account. This was also true, whether parents were alcoholics or not.
But not all kids with early childhood sleep problems began drinking and abusing drugs at an early age. Though, the potential is there - something parents should be aware of. So, study girls' sleep patterns next.
There can be a genetic vulnerability driving this pattern. This may create a vulnerability leading to poor choice of friends and more exposure to drugs, which needs to be analyzed.
Notes: one limitation of her study: using only mothers' ratings of their sons' sleep patterns.
The mothers' ratings could reflect problems in the mother-son relationship.
Help Kids Get Good Night's Sleep
Parents should pay attention to the child's sleep problems, not dismiss any complaints about inadequate sleep.
Also:
Decrease sugar in the child's diet.
• Don't allow children to watch television or video tapes that are too stimulating, especially before bedtime.
• Set a regular sleep schedule.
Consider the child's pediatrician or family doctor can also help solve children's sleep problems, which could offset any risk of alcohol abuse or drug problems later.
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