Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/329829
Health and Wellness Magazine • 33 growing HealtH concern "Sleep problems in children, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, are becoming more widely recognized," says Dr. Evelyn Bolt, a sleep specialist with North Suburban Medical Center, which recently launched a pediatric sleep center. "The effects on these children's general health, school performance, behavior and mood are becoming better understood," she says. "There's just a real need for diagnosing these kids and getting them treated." Although studies in children are fewer, sleep disorders can lead to a host of health problems in adults, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, lowered immunity, memory deficits and psychological issues. "The logical assumption is that these issues can be affecting kids, too," says Dr. Ramon Cuevas, Reno's doctor and a sleep specialist with Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. In fact, studies show that even a relatively small amount of sleep deprivation routinely in children can have detrimental effects. "One study looked at 1,500 children and followed them yearly from 5 months to 6 years of age," Bolt says. "Kids that slept roughly one hour less had increased hyperactivity and lower skills on tests measuring verbal and nonverbal cognitive ability." Continued on page 37 Tamicka Reno knows what it's like to sleep in fear. Ever since the night a horrendous crash sent the single mom fleeing across her house toward her young son's room, sleep has been elusive in the Reno home. What she found —a dazed 10-year-old boy standing next to a fallen 6-foot bookshelf, its once- packed contents spewed across his bedroom floor — resulted in even more efforts to protect her son. "You always have that extra ear," says Reno, whose son, now 12, sleep walks. "The way he was standing, and where his toy box was, kept it from falling on him," says Reno, of Denver. "But what if things were different? What if he'd had friends staying over and sleeping on the floor? Or what if one of our dogs had been laying there?" Although her son's sleep problem was loudly apparent, and he'd actually been being treated for sleep walking and other sleep disorders before the incident, many children today are suffering from undiagnosed or misdiagnosed sleep problems. Because of the potential effects on their lives, sleep experts are sounding the alarm. Call us today 303.575.0055 are you or a loved one in need of a doctor? We're here to help. a HealthoNE representative can answer your questions and help you find the right physician, close to home. Dr. Evelyn Bolt Dr. Ramon Cuevas