Hundreds of Welsh children treated for sleep problems

by sallypelt 02.06.17 20:40

Interesting:

Hundreds of children are being treated for sleep problems in Wales every year.
In some cases, babies, infants and teenagers have been admitted to hospital while in north Wales alone, the number being prescribed medication rose by 20% in the last three years.
Cases have included severe neuro-disabilities and epilepsy, but experts said many also suffered from insomnia, sleep walking and chronic nightmares.
Campaigners said sleep-deprivation could have "severe consequences".
The Children's Sleep Charity said many families were now at "crisis point" due to a lack of sleep, with technology use before bedtime being a major factor.

Public Health Wales (PHW) said sleep was as important to a child's health and wellbeing as healthy eating and exercise, and children with poor sleep patterns were more likely to be obese.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by BBC Wales found at least 408 children have been admitted to hospitals across Wales suffering from sleep disorders since March 2013.
However, the number is expected to be much higher as two health boards, Cardiff and Vale along with Powys, did not provide information.
Children aged between 0 and four made up the highest number of inpatients, with some newborns being treated for sleep-related issues from the day of birth.
Between March 2013 and 2017, the results found:

2,431 children were prescribed medication by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (UHB) and last year 640 aged 0-18, received prescriptions, up 19.8% on 2013
130 were also admitted to hospitals with sleep disorders including babies with suspected sleep apnoea
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg UHB prescribed medication to 735 children since March 2014, of which 41% were aged between five and nine
More than 100 children were admitted to hospitals managed by Cwm Taf due to sleep problems - the youngest child was aged two
Hywel Dda UHB treated 63 children for sleep disorders in the last three years
At least 103 children were admitted for sleep problems to Aneurin Bevan-run hospitals

Vicki Dawson, founder of the Children's Sleep Charity, which supports families across the UK, said sleepless nights were taking their toll on both children and parents alike.
"Their weight and growth may also be affected as well as their mental health," she said.
"It is hugely important that families have access to appropriately trained sleep practitioners who can offer them support using a behavioural approach to sleep."

The body representing teachers in Wales, NUT Cymru, said children showing signs of sleep deprivation and fatigue in class was a concern as they cannot concentrate for long periods.
Owen Hathway, NUT Cymru's policy officer, said: "It can also have an impact on discipline with tired pupils prone to being more irritable and distributive."
Psychologist Amy McClelland, of Sleep Wales, said a common problem was children being "over stimulated" and "not having the chance to wind down properly" before bed and families should get back to basics.
"Think 1950s family home. Dinner as a family, reading, chatting, a film maybe, lights off and then bed," she added.

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by sandancer 02.06.17 21:06

So let's try that scenario

Dinner , oops that comes later , High Tea with Crèche nannies / parents

Reading , while Dad plays tennis and Mum has a shower ( already had a bath and dressed in white like " angels " )

Chatting ?

Milk and biscuits ?

Repeat reading , " If you're happy and you know it " ????

Into bed lights off .

Mum and Dad take baths ( remember Mum had a shower earlier !"

Mum and Dad drink wine then it's Dinner Time ( for Mum and Dad !)

Mum and Dad go out for dinner with friends , lock the doors ?

Bob back every half hour to check the kids

One kid goes missing !

Real 1950's family values .

by plebgate 02.06.17 23:26

How can families get back to 1950's routine when in most households both parents are out working and many of them eat at different times depending on the hours worked and the number of jobs they are having to hold down to just about manage.

I do agree about the use of tvs, phones and laptops being used for hours at a time and it hasn't helped having all these things available in chidrens bedrooms so the parents can "have a bit of peace" when they get home from work.