What Causes Insomnia in Children?

Symptoms of insomnia in children may include:

– Bedtime refusal and struggles going to bed
– Frequent requests after lights out
– Difficulty falling asleep once in bed
– Frequent or prolonged night awakenings
– Difficulty returning to sleep independently
– Waking earlier than desired
– Resistance to an appropriate sleep schedule
– Difficulty napping
– Trouble waking in the morning

Daytime symptoms may include:

– Fatigue, tiredness, sleepiness
– Attention, concentration, or memory impairments
– Problems with social, family, or academic performance
– Mood disturbances or irritability
– Behavioral problems (hyperactivity, aggression, oppositional behavior)
– Reduced motivation
– Poor decision-making and impulse control
– Low tolerance for frustration

Many times insomnia is a symptom that is caused by something else, such as a physical or mental health problem; possible causes of insomnia can include:

– Another sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea)
– Anxiety or stress
– Medical, mental health, or developmental condition
– Certain medications, such as steroids or antidepressants 
– Caffeine, found in many types of drinks

Establishing good lifestyle habits can help ensure a restful night for people of any age, and it is especially important for children and teens. Parents can implement a number of things to help improve their child’s sleep quality, including:

– Beds should only be used for sleep
– Ensure their bedroom is comfortable
– Stick to the same sleep schedule
– Make sure they are not too hungry or too full before bed
– Encourage an active lifestyle
– Encourage natural light exposure in the morning
– Pay attention to napping
– Set limits with electronics
– Spend quality time together

There are many signs and symptoms that indicate when a child should see a doctor for insomnia; these include:

– Excessive daytime sleepiness
– Emotional outbursts
– Sleep problems last longer than a week
– Lack of sleep affects the quality of life
– Attention span is shortened
– Difficulty performing everyday tasks

If your child is exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is imperative to take them to a sleep doctor as soon as possible; delaying care can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms and run the risk of the development of serious health complications.

A lack of sleep may cause:

– Accidents and injuries
– Behavior problems
– Impulsive behavior
– Mood problems
– Memory, concentration, and learning problems
– Performance problems
– Slower reaction times
– Overeating

Signs of sleep problems in children include:

– Snoring
– Breathing pauses during sleep
– Trouble falling asleep
– Problems with sleeping through the night
– Trouble staying awake during the day
– Unexplained decrease in daytime performance
– Unusual events during sleep such as sleepwalking
– Teeth grinding
– Bedwetting
– Restless sleep
– Trouble waking up in the morning

If your child is not getting enough sleep and it is affecting how they feel throughout the day, come to Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders and speak with our dedicated sleep team. We serve patients from all across the United States.