Why Is My Child So Restless at Night?

It is not abnormal for a child to occasionally experience sleeping problems as they grow up. There are many reasons that can contribute to restlessness at night in children, including:

– Anticipation or Excitement — While adulthood is not exempt from this, children are much more likely to lose sleep over excitement or anticipation of an event or occasion, such as Christmas, a birthday party or vacation. These cases of restlessness typically only occur once in a while, prevalently the night before a big day. If a child loses sleep a few nights a year due to overexcitement, it is not cause for concern. However, if it occurs more frequently, it may be due to another reason.

– Long or Late Nap — Humans are routine-driven, and this is very obvious in children. With a little bit of encouragement, it is amazing how quickly kids adapt to a new routine. The most important thing to be consistent in a routine is waking up and going to bed at the same time; this sets the foundation for the entire day and provides a level of consistency that is essential for proper development. However, as parents, we know that the unexpected happens, and sometimes it is difficult—or even impossible—to stick to the same routine every day. If a child takes a nap later than usual, they may be less tired at bedtime, leading to restlessness.

– Sugar or Caffeine Consumption Before Bed — Eating sugary foods or drinking sugary or caffeinated drinks (like cola) too close to bedtime can result in restless sleep. To avoid this, it is imperative to limit sugar and caffeine consumption in the afternoons and evenings.

– Side Effects of Medications — Certain medications, particularly those used to treat ADHD (attention deficit disorder) can make it hard to sleep at night as they are central nervous system stimulants. Antidepressants may also cause restlessness.

Restless sleep occurs when a person is unable to fall asleep or stay asleep, often causing them to wake up frequently during the night. Sleep problems in children can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as genetics, environment and medication. A restless sleep disorder is characterized by recurring nights of restlessness that interferes with the ability to sleep.

There are a number of things that can help restlessness at night; the exact method depends on the cause of the restlessness, its severity, as well as the overall health of the patient. There is an undeniable link between restless leg syndrome and iron deficiency; if iron is supplemented, restfulness is increased and quality of sleep is improved.

If your child is restless at night due to sleep disordered breathing, trust the professionals at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders to help you find the solution. Call us today to book an appointment with one of our team!