Why does a 13-year-old child keep waking up at night?
Dec 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A 13-year-old child frequently waking up at night may be related to poor sleep environment, malnutrition, indigestion, intestinal gas, upper respiratory tract infection, or other causes, and symptomatic treatment is needed. In summary, if the above situation occurs, it is recommended that parents take the child to see a pediatrician at the hospital to identify the specific cause of frequent nighttime awakenings and receive prompt treatment.
Waking up frequently during the night at age 13 may be related to poor sleep environment, malnutrition, indigestion, intestinal gas, upper respiratory tract infections, and other causes. Appropriate treatment should be given based on the specific cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Poor Sleep Environment
A poor sleep environment in a 13-year-old—such as overly bright lighting or excessive noise—can affect sleep quality, leading to frequent awakenings at night and difficulty falling asleep. Parents should promptly comfort the child and ensure the sleep environment remains quiet and comfortable.
2. Malnutrition
If a child does not receive sufficient nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D from daily diet, it may lead to increased excitability of the central nervous system, resulting in restless sleep, excessive sweating, and irritability. Vitamin AD drops, calcium gluconate oral solution, or calcium carbonate granules may be taken under medical guidance to improve symptoms.
3. Indigestion
Eating too much before bedtime, intestinal flora imbalance, or exposure of the abdomen to cold may lead to indigestion. When food cannot be properly digested and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting may occur, which can also cause a 13-year-old to wake up frequently at night. Medications such as Bacillus subtilis bivalent live granules or Bifidobacterium tetra-probiotic tablets may be used under medical advice for regulation.
4. Intestinal Gas
Eating too quickly or hastily may cause a child to swallow large amounts of air, leading to intestinal gas and causing the aforementioned symptoms. Lactobacillus tablets or Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets may be used under medical guidance for treatment.
5. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
If infected by bacteria or viruses, an upper respiratory tract infection may develop, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, cough, and fever. These discomforts can make the child feel unwell and manifest as nighttime awakenings. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as clarithromycin granules or cefixime granules may be prescribed for treatment.
In summary, if the above situations occur, parents are advised to take the child to see a pediatrician to determine the exact cause of frequent nighttime awakenings and receive timely and appropriate treatment.
