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Is Your Child Sleepy or Lethargic? Here's How You Can Tell

Is Your Child Sleepy or Lethargic? Here's How You Can Tell

A child is typically filled with energy and life, so when your child is sluggish, uninterested in most activities that kids usually love, and showing other worrying signs, you may wonder whether they're sleepy or lethargic.

Knowing the differences between the two is essential because if your child is lethargic, it could indicate a more severe condition requiring medical care.

Below, the team at Rapid City Healthcare in Irving, Texas lists some questions you should ask to determine whether your child is sleepy or lethargic.

Are they getting enough sleep?

Finding out whether they're getting enough sleep is the first question you should ask, because if their general tiredness is due to them missing a few hours of sleep the night before, there's little cause for concern.

That said, a medical professional should look into this if they're not getting enough sleep regularly because they can’t sleep. A child should get at least eight hours of sleep each night.

Check on your child throughout the night to see if they're restless. Also, ask them how they slept the night before to gauge their sleep quality each morning.

Are they eating healthily?

If your child is not getting the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy, they may show signs of lethargy. Malnutrition can also lead to a range of mental and physical problems.

Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and don't let them overeat junk food.

If your child's diet and eating habits are fine, and they're getting enough sleep, but they're still lethargic, it's at this point they should be taken to the compassionate team at Rapid City Healthcare for examination, as something more serious could be wrong.

Are they getting enough iron?

If your child hasn't been getting enough iron, they may be anemic and showing signs of lethargy. When the body doesn't produce as many red blood cells, it can't oxygenate as quickly, resulting in general lethargy.

If a lack of iron is why they lack energy, initiative, and happiness, they should eat more iron-rich foods. Your doctor may even suggest iron pills.

Are they sick?

If your child is sick, particularly with a fever, they may be lethargic. Take their temperature, ask them how they feel, and let them rest. Call their pediatrician if they don't show improvement after a day or two.

Serious signs to look out for

If your child is staring into space frequently, not smiling, uninterested in playing, for the most part unresponsive, too weak to cry, or struggling to move their arms and legs, these are serious signs of something more than basic lethargy.

Should your child suddenly exhibit any of these signs, it's best to take them to the emergency room for treatment.

But if they've been lethargic for a few days, it's best to call us at (214) 256-1795 or schedule an appointment online. Our pediatrician will look over your child to determine the source of their lethargy and recommend a course of action after making their diagnosis.

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