6. Changes in Sleep Patterns: The Unspoken Disruption
A subtler, often overlooked symptom of SBS is a significant change in the child’s sleep patterns. Sleep, a vital part of an infant’s life, can be severely disrupted by SBS, leaving the child restless and the caregiver deeply concerned.
The first indication of this disruption could be a drastic change in the child’s sleep duration. A baby who previously had a regular sleep schedule might now be seen to struggle with long periods of wakefulness or, conversely, exhibit excessive sleepiness.
Another sign of disruption is the change in the quality of sleep. The child might appear restless during sleep or might wake up frequently. Each restless night or disrupted nap is a signal of the distress that the child is experiencing.
What makes this symptom particularly challenging is its seeming triviality. Changes in sleep patterns might be dismissed as a phase or attributed to external factors, leaving the root cause unaddressed. This dismissive approach can lead to a delay in recognizing and addressing the issue.
Yet, underneath this facade of a minor sleep disruption, lies the deeper issue of SBS. Recognizing this link and understanding the significance of the symptom in the context of SBS is essential to ensure timely intervention. (6)
