Sleep is essential to your child’s mental and physical health. Unlike adults, children often need more than seven to nine hours of sleep each night. The amount of sleep needed depends on the child’s age, activity level, and unique needs. Many people often associate insomnia with adults. However, children can struggle with sleep issues. This includes frequent wake-ups, difficulty falling asleep, and early wake-ups. So, can children have insomnia? Below is helpful information about sleep issues in children.
Can Children Have Insomnia?
Pediatric sleep disorders affect more children than many people expect. This is more than just a phase and can affect your child’s well-being. It can also affect parents, with sleepless nights making the day a challenge for everyone in the home. When left untreated, sleep issues in children can lead to several unwanted issues. Chronic sleep loss affects mood, learning, and physical growth. Several pediatric sleep disorders require prompt treatment.
Insomnia looks different at every age. However, the core issue is the same. This includes trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested. Recognizing the signs of childhood insomnia early on is key. Many parents don’t think insomnia will affect their child. However, between 20 and 30 percent of children have behavioral insomnia at some point. Early intervention can reduce the condition’s long-term impact.
Signs of Childhood Insomnia
Waiting to get treatment for your child’s sleep issues can only make things worse. While some sleep issues resolve on their own, that is not always the case. If your child’s sleep issues interfere with school performance, mood regulation, or family routines, it is time to consult a sleep specialist. This applies whether your child is a toddler or a teenager.
Difficulty Falling Asleep
The time it takes to fall asleep is called sleep latency. Sleep latency can vary from person to person. However, the average healthy range is between ten and twenty minutes. More than twenty minutes may indicate a deeper issue. Some children lie awake for thirty minutes or longer, unable to fall asleep. This is often associated with feelings of anxiety or overstimulation. It can also stem from an irregular sleep schedule and poor sleep routine. It may also be due to excess screen time and caffeine.
Frequent Wake-ups at Night
Waking up throughout the night is another sign of insomnia. Younger children may call for their parents or get out of bed. However, older children often toss and turn at night without asking for help. Waking up repeatedly throughout the night fragments sleep. This makes it hard to complete sleep cycles without interruption. As a result, the child may wake up feeling unrested. This can happen even if the child logs the right amount of sleep. Sleep quality is essential to feeling good the next day.
Early Morning Wake-ups
Another common sign of childhood insomnia is waking up too early. Waking up before their alarm or normal wake time is a problem. The inability to fall back asleep after an early wake-up can lead to daytime fatigue. Not logging enough hours can add up over time. Early mornings are often due to anxiety or an inconsistent sleep schedule. A sleep specialist can determine the root cause. From there, they can create a customized treatment plan based on your child’s unique needs.
Common Causes of Childhood Insomnia
Insomnia develops in children for many reasons. Understanding the root cause can help your child sleep better. This is a top priority as it is essential for their emotional and physical well-being.
Anxiety and Stress
In many cases, mental health issues can be a major contributor to insomnia. While children do not have the same stressors as adults, their lives are still impacted by what goes on. Things like school pressure, friendships, and family changes can lead to anxiety and stress. When the lights go out, racing thoughts and worries can disrupt a child’s sleep. Left unaddressed, it can affect the quality and quantity of your child’s sleep. This can lead to behavioral issues and exacerbate their current mental health struggles.
Poor Sleep Habits
Sleep hygiene is essential for people of all ages. It can have an especially big impact on your child’s sleep. The best way to get your child to make healthy sleep choices is to do them yourself. Show them by example how to wind down before bed. Irregular sleep times, too much screen time, and inconsistent routines can greatly affect your child. A healthy wind-down routine can positively affect your child. Consider a screen cutoff time, an evening shower, and lowering the lighting. This signals to your child’s brain that sleep is coming soon and it is time to relax.
Underlying Medical Conditions
In some cases, an underlying medical condition can lead to sleep issues for your child. Conditions like restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or ADHD can all look similar to insomnia. Untreated sleep disorders or medical conditions can continue to impact your child’s sleep. Working with a sleep specialist is key. They can assess your child’s symptoms, the severity, and when they occur. From there, they can create a customized treatment plan. If the underlying conditions require a primary care provider, both can work together to support your child.
Changes in Routine
Changes in their routine impact children. Changes often affect sleep. This may include a new sibling, moving to a new house, or a new school schedule. While many children can adapt within a few days or weeks, this is not always the case. If your child continues to struggle with sleep after a life change, consult a sleep specialist.
Leading Sleep Specialist
Sleep is an integral part of a child’s mental and emotional development. If your child is struggling with sleep, contact the team at SleepMD today to schedule your appointment!
