News

Bringing the comfort of sleep to children around the world

May 08 2013...

Sleeping Children Around the World received a 2011 Humanitarian Projects Award from the American Sleep Medicine Foundation. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine established the foundation to enhance sleep health for all through research, education and humanitarian aid. SCAW’s Debbie Dryden provides this personal update. READ MORE>>

Book Review: A Dream Box for child nightmares

Apr 29 2013...

A noted branding and creativity strategist, Robin Landa has written more than a dozen books about graphic design and advertising. Her latest work, the children’s picture book The Dream Box, ventures into new territory. The Kindle e-book focuses on Alex, a young bird with some crazy dreams. Ninja frogs. Triple-eyed toads. Giant pancakes. He’s practically scared out of his feathers. Alex decides he has only one way to fight back: He’s never going to sleep again. It’s a tough task for the bleary-eyed bird. He receives some trite advice from well-meaning family members. But Alex knows that it doesn’t help to think “nice things” and “happy thoughts.” He needs a real solution. That’s when he finds a curious little box on his bed. A note with the box helps Alex kick his uninvited guests out of his dreams. READ MORE>>

Let’s move – and sleep – to reduce childhood obesity

Jan 23 2013...

The CDC reports that about 17 percent of children and teens in the U.S. are obese. In response to this crisis, many programs are focusing on physical activity. But a new study shows that physical activity alone may not be enough to reduce childhood obesity. Most programs that target obesity focus on activity and nutrition. But these programs may be missing a critical element: sleep. READ MORE>>

Rate of ADHD diagnosis in children is rising

Jan 22 2013...

A new study reports that the rate of ADHD diagnosis among children has increased over the last decade. The increase may be related to growing awareness of ADHD. Parents also should be aware of the complex link between sleep and ADHD. READ MORE>>

Is TV part of your child’s bedtime routine?

Jan 16 2013...

A new study examined the “screen time” before bedtime of children and teens. This is the amount of time spent on the computer, watching TV or playing video games. READ MORE>>

Ten percent of children ages 6-8 have sleep-disordered breathing

Dec 17 2012...

Approximately ten percent of children ages 6-8 have sleep-disordered breathing, according to a recent Finnish study. The risk is higher among children with enlarged tonsils, crossbite and convex facial profile. Unlike in adults, excess body fat is not associated with sleep-disordered breathing in this age group.

Recognizing the risk for sleep-disordered breathing at an early age allows an early intervention to prevent the progression of the disease, according to the study’s authors. The diagnosis and treatment of children's sleep-disordered breathing is best carried out in cooperation involving dentists, pediatricians, ear, nose and throat doctors, as well as parents. READ MORE>>

Treat kid’s sleep problems with interdisciplinary approach

Dec 07 2012...

Pediatricians and respiratory specialists should work together whenever a sleep problem is suspected in a child, a new study reports. Children with sleep-related breathing problems such as snoring or apnea frequently have behavioral sleep problems such as waking repeatedly. Children with sleep disorders often aren’t evaluated and treated for behavioral sleep problems - and vice versa. READ MORE>>

Sleep problems may affect children's behavior

Oct 29 2012...

Getting your child to go to bed is not always easy. However, good sleep is vital for a child’s well-being and can cause more than just tiredness in the morning.

Inadequate sleep – whether too short or poor quality – causes specific changes in mood and thinking, says Dr. Dean Beebe, director of the neuropsychology program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. READ MORE>>

Excessive sleepiness may be cause of learning, attention and school problems

May 04 2012...

Children with learning, attention and behavior problems may be suffering from sleepiness. Penn State researchers divided 508 children into two groups. READ MORE>>

Childhood obesity and bedtime preference

Oct 10 2011...

Childhood obesity rates are on the rise, as many children prefer video games and internet use to sports and other physical activities. Sleep habits can predict which children will spend more time in front of a screen. READ MORE>>