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Definition of Circadian Rhythm Disorder Parent text Preschool

Resource Type

Parent Handouts and Info - Parent

Description

Definition/criteria for Circadian Rhythm Disorder

Ages

All Ages

Age Groups

Preschool/Kindergarten (3-5)

Web Address

http://resources.childhealthcare.org/cocoon/dtw/parent-text/sleep/circadian_rhythm_preschool_pt.html

Languages

English

Definition of Circadian Rhythm Disorder - Preschool

Definition of Circadian Rhythm Disorder - Preschool

You said that you were concerned about your child's sleep problems. You said that your child is either tired all the time, has problems sleeping, or wakes up a lot during the night. You also said that these sleep problems are due to problems with his/her sleep-wake cycle. For example, your child may have to get up very early in the morning. Because of this you said your child is very tired or has trouble sleeping. You said that this is causing big problems for him/her at preschool/school, at home, or other places. You may notice that your child is more irritable than usual. Children with this type of sleep problem may have Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder. This type of sleep disorder is not usually seen in preschool children.

There are different types of this disorder. The delayed sleep phase type is most common in children. One of these may describe your child's sleep problems:

Delayed Sleep Phase Type Your child may have problems falling asleep at night. Your child may be a "night owl". S/he then has trouble waking up early (even if s/he really tries to do so). Your child would "sleep-in" late if allowed to. S/he may have so much trouble waking up that even several alarm clocks can't wake him/her. Your child is probably not getting enough sleep at night. S/he is probably very tired during the day. Your child's sleep problems get worse if s/he takes a nap in the afternoon.

Children with these problems often get into big fights with their parents about going to bed. They may get a "second wind" and have trouble falling asleep because they feel wide awake. They are very tired in the morning. It is a struggle for parents to get them up for the day.

Jet Lag Type Your child is tired and awake at the wrong time of day. This happens after traveling across more than one time zone. These problems are most often seen if s/he has traveled through eight or more time zones in less than 24 hours.

Shift Work Type Your child cannot sleep during the night or is very tired during the day. This is often seen in people who work night shift or in people who often change what shift they work. It is not usually seen in children.

Adapted in part from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) (1994) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Primary Care (DSM-PC) (1996).

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