The American Academy of Pediatrics ...

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a technical report forward the causes and consequences of adolescent sleepiness. The report, which is based forward a meta-analysis, appears in the June 2005 issue of Pediatrics.

Inadequate be dead has become a widespread question for adolescents. Physicians have an important part in identifying adolescent patients at risk for inadequate repose and in providing counseling and support to help manage sleep-related symptoms.

usual causes of sleepiness in adolescents include normal changes that befall during the transition into adolescence (eg varying sleep/wake times, relaxed parental direction of bedtimes, changing school start times). Many adolescents also have part-time do job-works that cut into their nap time. Studies have shown that the biological theory that regulates circadian rhythms may change during adolescence, creating a later timing of slumber Because of these changes, adolescents learn less sleep than they did as children. Insomnia, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, restles leg syndrome and numerous medications are also everyday causes of inadequate sleep in adolescents.

Lack of doze can affect adolescents' cognitive function, concentration and attention, alertness, and ability to perform in instruct Studies have shown that many adolescents who have doze disorders also have symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Adolescents with clinical temper disorders, especially severe depression, report higher incidences of nap disturbance. Sleepiness is also the leading cause of motor vehicle crashes among drivers 16 to 29 years of age.

The AAP finishs that physicians should recognize the significant question of sleepiness among their adolescent patients. Physicians ne to ask questions about be dead patterns, how much sleep their adolescent patients are getting, and if they are having any sleep-related symptoms. A be still history should focus on the following points:

* Bedtime problems

* Excessive daytime sleepiness

* Awakenings during the night

* Regularity and duration of sleep

* Sleep-disordered breathing (eg deafening snoring)

At the least, the AAP attract favor tos educating adolescent patients about their be motionless needs and the detrimental results of sleep loss on performance and health.

COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group