The following script is part of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) radio series 'A Minute for Kids.' Feel free to use this or other AAP scripts in your local print or broadcast media, and in school or community newsletters. Please attribute the American Academy of Pediatrics as the source. For more scripts on children's health, visit www.aap.org

Sleep Problems in Children

A number of sleep problems can affect children. Children with sleep apnea briefly stop breathing many times during the night due to a blockage in the respiratory tract, perhaps related to enlarged tonsils and adenoids or to obesity. Sleepwalking tends to affect boys more often than girls, and in a small number of children, episodes take place several nights a week. Sleep talking occurs more often than sleepwalking. The child begins speaking, often unintelligibly and in a monotone voice, and usually for no more than thirty seconds. A child with night terrors partially wakes up and screams loudly or cries. He does not respond to attempts to comfort him, but will eventually settle back to sleep, unlike nightmares where you need to comfort your child. If your child has sleep problems, talk with your pediatrician. For more information on your child’s health, visit www.aap.org.

Rev 12-1-2006