Questions?Sleep Problems Caused By Cerebral Palsy
Studies have shown that up to 46% of children with cerebral palsy (CP) have difficulty sleeping. The physical and neurological symptoms linked to sleep and cerebral palsy can make it hard for children to get a good night’s rest.
Your child may have issues sleeping if they suffer from:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder: Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is a digestive disorder that causes difficulty swallowing. It causes a sore throat and acid reflux, which can flare up at night.
- Physical Pain: Muscle spasms and physical pain are common symptoms of cerebral palsy. Pain can prevent children with CP from getting rest. Muscle spasms associated with the condition may prevent children from sleeping comfortably at night.
- Seizures: Seizures are a serious health issue associated with cerebral palsy. Specific factors often trigger seizures. In some children, a lack of sleep may trigger a seizure. Seizures can also cause irregular sleep patterns.
- Drooling: Children with cerebral palsy often have difficulty controlling their chewing and swallowing. As a result, they are much more likely to have drooling problems. Excessive drooling can cause children to choke on saliva or have issues breathing while they sleep.
- Respiratory Problems: Respiratory problems caused by cerebral palsy can make breathing at night difficult. This can cause children to wake in the middle of the night.
- Constipation: Many children with cerebral palsy have challenges with constipation due to limited mobility, reduced fluid intake, malnutrition, and/or weak stomach muscles. Constipation can be painful and wake sleeping children.
“Research demonstrates that sleep deficiency is a common consequence with significant negative impact for children with cerebral palsy.”
– Children, an international peer-reviewed journal on pediatric health
Specific Challenges and Solutions
Children with all types of cerebral palsy are often more sensitive to sound, light, and texture. These sensitivities can disrupt their sleep. Noises such as the television or home appliances can make it harder for children with cerebral palsy to fall or stay asleep.
If your child has problems sleeping due to cerebral palsy, the following might help:
- Adhering to a daily schedule that includes a bedtime, mealtimes, and restroom visits
- Having a dedicated quiet time in the house to ease sensitivities
- Keeping a sleep diary to help evaluate night conditions
- Sleep medication, including light sedatives
Sleep challenges often depend on the severity of the child’s condition. Children with mild cerebral palsy may only face minor sleep problems, while children with severe cerebral palsy may find it extremely difficult to sleep at night.
There are several medical treatments and adaptive solutions to help children with cerebral palsy sleep better. These solutions include sleep medications, adjustable beds, and weighted blankets.
Sleep Medications for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy may be prescribed medications to help with their condition.
Common medications include:
- Melatonin: Melatonin is made naturally in the body by the pineal gland. Generally, the body produces more melatonin at night. Melatonin supplements are often prescribed when someone has trouble falling or staying asleep. Side effects of melatonin supplements include anxiety, headaches, and stomach discomfort.
- Baclofen: Baclofen is a medication that treats muscle spasticity. If your child’s sleep problems are caused by muscle tension, baclofen may help. Baclofen side effects include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
- Lubiprostone: Lubiprostone is a medication that treats constipation. This can help ease the stomach pains that wake a child at night. Side effects of Lubiprostone include nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
Adjustable Beds for Children with Cerebral Palsy
These beds can have their bed frames adjusted via remote control. This allows a child with cerebral palsy to move their bed into more comfortable positions.
Adjustable beds promote independent movement and help with pain from muscle stiffness and GERD. Parents interested in purchasing an adjustable bed for their child should talk to their medical provider or a cerebral palsy organization such as United Cerebral Palsy.
Weighted Blankets for Children with Cerebral Palsy
These have become popular for their ability to reduce stress and anxiety and provide soothing sleep. Weighted blankets can ease spastic movements in children with cerebral palsy. Weighted blankets can weigh up to 15 pounds, which reduces uncontrollable movements.
People often experience a calming, hugging feeling when using the blanket. Many weighted blankets also provide deep-pressure touch stimulation, which feels like a massage. This can cause the body to release serotonin naturally, causing a feeling of calm and happiness as the user drifts off to sleep.
Parents looking at weighted blankets should talk with their medical provider or chat with a national cerebral palsy organization about their options.
Get Support for Cerebral Palsy
When children do not get regular sleep, their health can suffer. It is important to talk to your health care provider about how you can help your child sleep so that their body can recharge at night.
In some cases, sleep treatments can be expensive. If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, your family may be eligible for a financial settlement. This money could help pay for some or all of your child’s sleep treatments, medications, or adaptive equipment.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to learn more.
