Feeling sleepy

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Updated on Dec 20, 2013
Hi fellow parents, My son is 5. He feels sleepy at school and home as well. This issue has started around a month back. M really worried. He is becoming lazy. Do I need to take him to the doctor? Please help.

| Dec 20, 2013
Hi dear SHweta! A 5 year old should get 10-11hrs of sleep. Excessive sleepiness or hypersomnia could be due to various reasons such as upper respiratory tract obstruction which results in disordered breathing, or it could be due to changes in child's routine thereby changes in duration and time of sleep, boredom as a result child prefers to sleep. Excessive sleeping may obstruct child's everyday life n may cause poor concentration, disruptive behavior, poor performance and low alertness after waking. It is suggested please look for possible causes. If it is due to upper airway obstruction which results in partial or complete airflow cessation to nose and/ or mouth, the child should be treated for the same. Proper sleep hygiene should be practiced. If possible daytime naps should be avoided or kept to minimum hours. The distraction at night should be kept to minimum. Hope this helps!

| Dec 20, 2013
Hi Shweta , u can increase his physical activities. U can take him to park and make him play in the evening. He might become active. Also avoid giving oily food and junk. Try amla juice or soups with greens. This will activate the metabolism and make him feel fresh and active. As Shikha has suggested avoid day time naps. This might help.