Sometimes, a child’s insomnia may stem from having more time allotted for sleep than they need each night. Keeping your child up-to-date on health exams can help identify any issues that could interfere with their sleep.
It could be a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, or perhaps it’s triggered by a stuffy nose from allergies, growing pains, or itchy skin from eczema. Some drugs, such as those used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and antidepressants, can also cause insomnia in children. Better yet, try to cut out these types of drinks as much as possible. Try to limit your child’s consumption past lunchtime. Many sodas and energy drinks contain caffeine which can keep kids awake at night. At home, stress can arise from parents’ marital problems, the arrival of a new baby, or changes in their sleeping arrangements that now require them to share a bedroom with a sibling, parent, or grandparent, for example. They may be struggling to keep up in class, experiencing problems with their friends, or even being bullied. Yes, they are young, but children also experience stress-often triggered by issues at school or home. Other common reasons why your child may be experiencing sleep difficulties include Of course, younger children especially will have difficulty making the connection between their habits and the quality of their sleep, so you’ll have to act as a sleep detective on their behalf.
Eating too much sugary food during the day, for example, or watching TV right before bed could be enough to disrupt your child’s sleep. Causes of insomnia in kidsįor many children, their difficulties falling or staying asleep stem from their daytime habits or how they spend their time right before bed. But if your child experiences difficulty sleeping more than three times a week for several months, and it significantly impairs their daytime functioning, it may point to insomnia or another sleep disorder. Often, the issue resolves itself over time. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, resulting in unrefreshing or non-restorative sleep. If your child wakes up often in the night, or has trouble settling down, it could mean they’re struggling with insomnia, one of the biggest sleep issues among kids. Often become drowsy or “crash” much earlier than their regular bedtime.Have trouble waking up or fall back asleep after you’ve gotten them up for the day.Appear to struggle following conversations or seem to “space out” a lot.Have trouble concentrating at school or at home? Has a teacher informed you of this problem.Often seem cranky, irritable, or over-emotional.If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, they may: In some cases, the symptoms of insufficient sleep can even mimic those of ADHD. Sleep, or lack thereof, affects much of a child’s behavior and state of mind. Signs that your child isn’t getting enough sleepĬhildren, just like adults, have trouble controlling their moods when they’re sleep deprived. The chart below outlines the recommended hours that developing kids should spend asleep. To function at their best, children and teens typically need more sleep than adults. With a little patience and discipline, you can help your child overcome their sleep difficulties, help them fall and stay asleep-and get back on track to more restful nights of your own. Many childhood sleep problems are linked to daytime behavior and bedtime habits that you can work with your child to change. It can be frustrating to have your own sleep regularly disturbed and then find yourself having to rush around in the morning because your child’s late getting up, or having to deal with a fussy, moody child who’s low on sleep. Some kids will frequently wake up in the middle of night, suddenly wide awake, and either toss and turn or come and wake up mom and dad. Some children may not feel tired at their designated bedtime while others have trouble falling asleep without a parent present. Insomnia, bedtime fears, night terrors, sleepwalking, and bed-wetting can all disrupt your child’s natural sleep pattern. Sleep problems are common among children, especially when they’re young. These tips can ensure your kid gets the rest they need. Sleep Childhood Insomnia and Sleep Problems Does your child have trouble sleeping? Insomnia, bedtime fears, night terrors, and bed-wetting are common children’s sleep problems.