Every parent knows the struggle of getting their child to sleep through the night. But when bedtime battles turn into a battle of restless sleep, more awakenings, or daytime sleepiness. It’s time to look deeper into the cause.
Sleep disorders in children are more common than most realize. Left unaddressed, these sleeping problems can affect growth, development, mood, learning and overall well-being of a child.
This blog breaks down the most common sleep disorders in children, causes, warning signs, how you can fix them, and when to seek professional help.
What Are Sleep Disorders in Children?
A sleep disorder is any condition that consistently disrupts a child’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve restful sleep. These issues can start in infancy and continue into the teenage years if not properly treated.
What are the Common types of sleep disorders?
Sleep-related disorders show up in different ways. Here are the most common ones affecting children:
- Insomnia – difficulty sleeping at night or trouble staying asleep
- Sleep apnea – pauses in breathing during sleep
- Restless legs syndrome – uncomfortable sensations causing restless sleep
- Night terrors – sudden episodes of intense fear during sleep
- Sleepwalking – performing activities while still asleep
- Circadian rhythm disorders – irregular sleep patterns disrupting the natural sleep-wake cycle
Must read: What Is a Healthy Sleep Cycle and Why Is It Important?
Common Causes of Sleep Disorders in Children
Sleep problems in children rarely have a single cause. Usually, it’s a mix of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Several reasons for sleeplessness in children:
- Poor sleep routines – Irregular bedtimes, late-night screen time, and inconsistent habits throw off a child’s internal clock
- Stress and anxiety – School pressure, separation anxiety, fear of the dark, or changes at home keep minds racing at night
- Medical conditions – Asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or chronic pain make it physically hard to sleep soundly
- ADHD or autism – Often associated with additional sleep challenges and disrupted sleep patterns
- Sleep apnoea – Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can block airways, causing breathing interruptions
- Lifestyle factors – High sugar intake, lack of physical activity, and overstimulation before bed contribute to difficulty sleeping
If your 12-year-old can’t sleep at night, these factors are worth investigating first.
Symptoms to Watch For
Parents often notice the effects of poor sleep during the day rather than at night. Pay attention to both.
Lack of sleep symptoms at night:
- Difficulty falling asleep or not being able to sleep at night
- Loud snoring or mouth breathing
- Frequent awakenings and sleep disturbance
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Restless movement, tossing, and turning
- Sleepwalking or talking during sleep
Lack of sleep symptoms during the day:
- Excessive morning tiredness despite enough time in bed
- Irritability and mood swings
- Poor concentration and trouble focusing at school
- Hyperactivity is mistaken for behavioral issues
- Falling asleep during travel or in class
If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, consider a sleep disorder test or professional evaluation.
Must read: How to Stop Snoring: 16 Tips to Sleep Softly?
Effective Solutions for Managing Sleep Disorders
Most sleep disorders in children respond well to treatment when the cause is properly identified.
Sleep problems solutions:
- Create a consistent routine – Fixed bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate the body’s natural rhythm. A calming pre-sleep ritual like reading or a warm bath signals the brain it’s time to wind down.
- Optimize the sleep environment – Keep the bedroom cool, dark, quiet, and free from distractions. This alone can dramatically improve sleep quality.
- Address underlying medical issues – If allergies, reflux, or breathing problems are causing problems sleeping at night, treating those conditions leads to immediate improvement.
- Manage stress and anxiety – Open conversations, reassurance, and simple relaxation techniques help anxious children feel secure at bedtime.
- Treat sleep apnoea – Options range from lifestyle changes and nasal sprays to surgical correction of enlarged tonsils. In some cases, CPAP therapy adapted for children may be recommended.
- Make dietary adjustments – Light dinners, less sugar, and no caffeine from soft drinks or chocolate can help with not getting sleep at night.
For chronic insomnia or persistent sleeping issues at night, medicine for sleep disorder may be considered under professional guidance.
When Should Parents Seek Professional Help?
It’s time to consult a sleep specialist if your child shows:
- Loud snoring or noticeable pauses in breathing
- Frequent nightmares or panic episodes
- Difficulty staying awake during the day despite enough sleep hours
- Declining school performance linked to tiredness
- Behavioral issues connected to poor rest
- Baby sleep disorders signs like irregular breathing or excessive fussiness
Early intervention prevents the cascading effects of chronic sleep deprivation on growth, learning, and emotional development. Trust your instincts, if something feels off, get it checked.
Must read: Cheyne-Stokes Respiration: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Everything You Need to Know
Tips for Parents to Promote Healthy Sleep Habits
- Keep weekend schedules close to weekday schedules
- Limit screens for one to two hours before bedtime
- Avoid over-scheduling activities that leave kids overstimulated
- Prioritize physical activity during the day
- Teach age-appropriate self-soothing techniques
- Model good sleep behavior yourself
