Lethargy in Children

Many parents often complain about their children being lethargic. But what does lethargy mean? Lethargy in children refers to decreased energy levels. It is defined as a prolonged feeling of tiredness and fatigue. Lethargic children lie down lazily and won't even move around for a considerable period of time. A lethargic feeling can be triggered due to lack of energy and is sometimes associated with serious ailments and even psychological disorders. Although adults are more susceptible to lethargy, active children, too experience this feeling.

What Causes Lethargy in Children

As aforementioned, lethargy in children can be due to a number of reasons. Even exertion can cause lack of energy, leading to lethargy. Following are some of the common causes of lethargy in children.

Lack of Sleep: Children who do not get sufficient sleep often feel lethargic throughout the day. Due to lack of sleep, the child experiences persistent fatigue and is unable to concentrate on his daily routine. A feeling of tiredness is commonly observed in children, when they are deprived of sufficient sleep. Hence, sleeping 7-8 hours in a day, is necessary to perform day-to day activities efficiently and to keep lethargy at bay.

Malnutrition: Malnourished children are bound to show signs of lethargy. These children show a considerable decrease in energy levels. As the body does not get its daily dosage of proteins, vitamins and minerals, the child shows a sharp drop in daytime activity levels. Read more on malnutrition facts.

Anemia: Lethargy in children is also considered as an early symptom of anemia. This condition causes a major reduction in the number of red blood cells, that deliver oxygen to different organs of the body. Thus, anemia causes lack of oxygen that makes the child lethargic. A poor diet, deficient in iron, is the most common factor that contributes to lethargy in infants.

Fever: Fever and lethargy in children are often correlated. Fever in children commonly occurs due to viral infections. Fevers that have a temperature ranging from 101 to 103 Celsius are not serious, but make the child uncomfortable. The child is unresponsive and prefers minimal verbal interaction. However, infants 6 weeks old and suffering from high fever (more than 101) require immediate treatment as it is a symptom of serious illness.

Depression: Children suffering from depression slowly start becoming lethargic. Although, depression is a mental problem, it drains energy, making the child more lethargic. Feeling of tiredness, accompanied by anxiety attacks, are some of the symptoms of depression. Even standing for some time cannot be tolerated by the child.

Meningitis: Meningitis that leads to extreme lethargy, occurs in large number of children. Meningitis, an infection, causes inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord from external damage. Children with meningitis experience headache, fever and sleep more than usual. They show lack of energy and interest in outdoor and indoor activities. Read more on meningitis symptoms in children.

Lethargy in Babies

Lethargy in babies is not easy to diagnose. However, sleeping for longer periods of time than normal, or a feeling of tiredness even after taking a long nap, are all signs of lethargy in babies. One can determine whether a baby is lethargic by noticing its behavioral changes. Lethargic babies, also referred as listless babies, appear to lack enthusiasm. The baby seems sluggish and drowsy, which can be a sign of serious illness such as pneumonia.

In today's hectic lifestyle, experiencing fatigue is fairly normal. However, lethargy in children that remains for quite some time needs proper medical attention to diagnose symptoms associated with this condition.