Insomnia in Children: Causes and Treatment by Dr. Srikanta J T

4 min read

Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting..

insomnia In children

It is a well-known fact that sleep is necessary for the healthy growth of children. It is during sleep that most growth and repair of the body occurs. Inadequate sleep causes mood changes and leads to trouble in thinking abilities. Good quality sleep is directly linked to a child’s physiological, cognitive, and emotional development. But what happens if the sleep quality is compromised? Read everything you need to know about insomnia in children.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition where the child has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during nights for the minimum number of hours required by their bodies. Sometimes it may mean that the child isn’t able to sleep throughout the night, sometimes it may also be that the child is waking up too early. In simpler words, it means sleeplessness.

Can Children Have Insomnia?

Surprising, but yes, children can also have insomnia. Children who do not have strict bedtimes may tend to stay awake longer and this may lead to sleeplessness. How you would feel if you tried to fall asleep but couldn’t? Now imagine your child feeling the same! Insomnia in children is an important health concern that needs to be addressed immediately and carefully.

Is Insomnia Common in Children?

Insomnia is somewhat common in school-going children with roughly 27% sleeping for a lesser time than required. It is estimated that around 25% of children will experience it sometime during their childhood.

[Read : Coping with Stress]

What Causes Sleep Problems in Children?

Causes of Insomnia in Children

There may be many reasons for the sleeping problems in children. Sometimes a scary movie or a bad dream might keep the child up. You needn’t worry if it is just this. If the child is unable to sleep for a week or more, then you should address it immediately.

1. Stress

Stress isn’t just for adults anymore. Preschoolers get stressed about a new environment when joining a playschool. Likewise, young kids may feel insecure about a new sibling, shifting to a new place, parents fighting, etc. There are many problems that may cause stress in children.

2. Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders such as sleep apnea may keep the child up during the night as it is difficult for them to catch a breath and they keep waking up, or a reflux issue in which it is difficult to keep food down, restless legs syndrome where they keep on moving constantly may cause sleeplessness. Sometimes psychiatric reasons such as Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and depression may keep them awake.

[Read: Sleep Apnea In babies]

3. Caffeine

Drinking caffeine-rich or fizzy drinks at any time during the day may make children hyperactive and lead to sleeplessness.

4. Medications

Anticonvulsants and antidepressants may cause sleeplessness as a side effect. Usage of corticosteroids and any other medication for ADHD may also cause sleeplessness.

5. Environmental Factors

Ever tried sleeping in a busy and noisy house? The lack of a comfortable atmosphere may also affect the ability of the child to sleep. Some reasons may include the mattress being rough, of there being too much noise, light, or bad ventilation. These environmental factors may contribute to an inability to sleep.

How is Insomnia Diagnosed in Children?

Insomnia can be diagnosed in children by merely observing them. The diagnosis can be made at home with you or if not sure, by your pediatrician. Some common symptoms may include:

The child appears tired all the time.
Erratic behavior
Hyperactivity
Being distracted most of the time
Not sleeping after waking in the middle of the night
Waking early
Difficulty in falling asleep

[Read : How To Develop Bedtime Routine For Kids?]

Children Insomnia Treatment

Managing insomnia in a child is easy once you follow the steps given below:

1. Setting Up a Routine

Establishing a sleep schedule of putting your child to bed at the same time every day will help in setting a routine. You could start by winding down by involving the child in some calm activities such as coloring or reading. Also, avoid sleeping during the daytime.

2. Comfortable Sleep Environment

Creating a soothing and calming environment for your child in their room will help set the mood. Restricting the use of gadgets, at least two hours before bedtime will help to grasp a quality sleep. Inculcating these good habits from a young age will help them tremendously.

3. Behavioral Therapies

Consult your pediatrician and ask about a Sleep Specialist with regards to information about various Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies that can be used to psychologically help in the long term.

4. Remove Clocks From the Bedroom

Watching time constantly will cause anxiety and make it harder to fall asleep. It may work to your benefit to remove all clocks from the child’s room temporarily. Alternatively, you can turn the clocks away so they will not able to see it.

5. Inculcate Good Sleep Hygiene Habits

By restricting time spent in bed to simply sleeping and not allowing reading books or doing homework, maintaining a regular sleep time, avoiding colas and chocolates, and generally any food for at least an hour before bedtime, you can help your child sleep better.

We at Being The Parent hope this helps.

Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

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