Rhythmic sleep disorders include head and body rocking and head banging and they range from very mild to thrashing. Other symptoms include rocking on hands and knees and pulling up the knees and raising the torso simultaneously. During these episodes, your child may hum or moan and this often occurs when the child is between stages or sleep or just when he’s waking and is between sleep and wakefulness.
Though the cause of rhythmic sleep disorders are not known, they seem to go hand-in-hand with ear infections, nasal problems and early morning headaches.
Another disorder that is on the rhythmic scale is restless leg syndrome (RLS,) which has a genetic background. Your child will move her legs repeatedly and sometimes rapidly while she is sleeping. Periodic leg movement syndrome occurs when your child’s leg move involuntarily while she sleeps.
If your child suffers from restless leg syndrome, try the following:
Hypnotism
Music therapy, which includes a ticking metronome or rhythmic sounds.
Medications used for motion sickness.
Psychotherapy.
Stimulants.
Tranquilizers.
Your child’s pediatrician should be notified of any rhythmic sleep disorders.
Static Disorders
Young children and babies often suffer from static sleep disorders. Children may sleep in odd positions, or with their eyes open. Arched backs, heads thrown back or sleeping upside down are all common symptoms.
Though static sleep disorders cause no harm to your child, he should have a physical examination to rule out other problems. Inform his pediatrician if his sleeping problems worsen or if they are accompanied by other unusual activity.
Coping
If your child’s sleep patterns are inconsistent, talk to her pediatrician. Children should have regular hours of interrupted sleep, according to their age.
Preschoolers need 10 to 12 hours sleep.
Children six to nine need at least 10 and possibly 12 hours sleep.
Children aged ten to twelve need at least nine hours sleep and sometimes more, depending on the individual.
A child who suffers from inconsistent sleep patterns may be referred to a sleep specialist by his pediatrician.