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Childhood sleep disorders encompass a heterogeneous array of conditions that disrupt the natural sleep patterns of infants, children, and adolescents, posing significant challenges to their physical and cognitive well-being. These disorders, ranging from common disturbances to more complex and rare conditions, manifest in various ways, affecting the quantity and quality of sleep crucial for optimal growth and development. Disorders such as insomnia, characterized by persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, and parasomnias, including night terrors and sleepwalking, disrupt the delicate balance of the sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, Paediatric obstructive sleep apnea, marked by recurrent interruptions in breathing during sleep due to airway obstruction, poses serious health risks by compromising oxygen flow to vital organs. Other disorders, like restless legs syndrome and circadian rhythm disorders, contribute to sleep disruptions and can result in daytime sleepiness, impaired concentration, and behavioural issues. The multifactorial nature of childhood sleep disorders involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors, making accurate diagnosis and effective management challenging. The impact of these disorders extends beyond the immediate health concerns, influencing academic performance, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. Addressing childhood sleep disorders requires a comprehensive approach that integrates medical, behavioural, and environmental interventions to promote healthy sleep hygiene and ensure optimal neurodevelopment, laying the foundation for a lifetime of physical and mental well-being. Early recognition, intervention, and ongoing monitoring are essential to mitigate the potential long-term consequences and foster the healthy sleep habits necessary for children to thrive.
