Causes of Fatigue in Children

At one time or another, most parents want to learn about the causes of fatigue in children. It seems like one day you have an active, rambunctious child on your hands and then he changes into a sleepy couch potato overnight. Most of these things can be changed easily though and usually are not a cause for alarm.

  1. Lack of Sleep

    • Many kids suffer from not getting enough rest at night, especially during different developmental stages. Have the child go to bed an hour earlier than usual for a week and see whether that is the cause.

    Nutrition

    • Another one of the main causes of fatigue in children is a lack of the essential vitamins and other nutrients that their bodies need. Look into over the counter supplements or shakes and talk to your pediatrician about which one would be best for him.

    Inactivity

    • Your child could be tired due to a lack of exercise. This may seem counterproductive to combating sleepiness but getting him off the couch and outdoors may be all you need to do to wake him up.

    Depression/Stress

    • Adults seem to forget sometimes that kids have stress in their daily lives, too. If you have had a major upset in your family lately, such as a move, divorce or death, depression could also be at the root of your child's lethargic behavior. If that's the case, a therapist may be able to help.

    Warning

    • If there has been a sudden change in your child's activity level and it does alarm you, then pay attention to your instincts. Even though it could be one of the easier to fix causes of fatigue in children, it is better to consult a professional if you are worried.

    • Face it, kids can sometimes be a bit wild, especially when they are excited. Over the years, many parents have blamed hyperactivity on sugar. In 1973, allergist Benjamin Feingold, M.D., encouraged parents to eliminate artificial flavorings, salicylat
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    • There are no valid reasons why children should not do chores. In fact, there are many compelling reasons why children should do chores. Heres why:Benefits of Chores for Children:* Develops Responsibility: Chores teach children about taking ownership