Four reasons why kids may have trouble waking

Chances are you know a student who is a serial snooze alarm presser. He or she can’t seem to throw back the covers and make it out of bed promptly for school.

The results could be a long list of tardy slips and some concerned school administrators. Plus, this sort of repeat behavior can be taxing on busy parents who are on a tight morning schedule.

The reason for your child’s behavior may not be as simple as his or her desire to test boundaries. There may be a more serious underlying problem or a concern that should be addressed.

1. Depression: Depression can manifest itself in many symptoms. Trouble falling asleep or difficulty waking can be an indication. Children under stress, who’ve recently experienced loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct, or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Teenage girls are at especially high risk, as are minority youth. If frequent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, and withdrawal from pleasurable activities accompany sleep problems, it could be a good idea to visit a doctor.

2. Retiring late: While there is no precise number of hours a person has to sleep to feel rested, the general consensus is anywhere between seven to nine hours per night. If your son or daughter has trouble waking in the morning, observe whether he or she is just going to bed too late.

3. Sleep disorder: Many times people have trouble waking simply because their sleep is not productive enough. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, where the person briefly stops breathing at intervals during the night, restless leg syndrome or sleepwalking can interrupt the quality of sleep.

4. Avoidance: Sleep may be a way for a student to deal with extra stress or avoid something at school that is bothering him or her, such as a challenging teacher or a bully. Talking with your child may help him or her express feelings and shed light on whether there may be a problem at school.

Exploring all of these possibilities can help parents figure out what may be at the basis of their child’s reluctance to rise and shine on school days.