Insomnia in Children

Because if your child has sleep problems, NO-ONE in your home is getting enough sleep! But although that definition sounds straightforward enough, real insomnia is anything but straightforward.

Insomnia in adults can occur for lots of different reasons, and the symptoms of insomnia can be fairly varied. It's the same with insomnia in children.

Studies indicate that more than 2 million American children have sleep problems of one kind or another, including pediatric insomnia, pediatric sleep apnea, bedwetting, night terrors, sleepwalking and more.... wow, that's a whole lot of tired kids (and parents)!

Recognizing insomnia in children

Newborns sleep a lot, but it's rarely in long-stretches, more like a never-ending series of 'cat naps'. As any exhausted new mom (or dad) can tell you, newborn sleeping patterns leave a lot to be desired!

However, as babies grow and develop, their sleep habits should become more regular and ensuring that your baby/child gets enough sleep is an important part of your parenting responsibilities. You can find out more about helping your baby develop good sleep habits on my Newborn Sleeping page.

The two main symptoms of insomnia in children (and in adults) is difficulty falling asleep, and an inability to stay asleep. Lying awake, tossing and turning for hours or waking suddenly (sometimes several times during the night) and being unable to go back to sleep, or even regularly waking up before dawn, are all classic signs of this sleep disorder.

Although for adults, these symptoms are not part of normal sleep habits, for many babies and young children going to sleep and staying that way can be a challenge - even if they don't have any other sleep problems.

Early training and encouragement that helps them learn how to fall asleep, and how to comfort themselves if they wake up in the night (resulting in a speedy return to the Land of Nod) goes a long way towards heading off insomnia in children.

Common causes of insomnia in children

• Poor Sleep Habits
  For babies and young children, not having a regular bedtime, a change in routine, being overstimulated in the evening (eg rough-housing with daddy when he gets in from work) can all contribute to insomnia.

  In older children and teens, going to bed too late, having TV's and computers in the bedroom, being over-scheduled with activities or homework until late at night, drinking too many caffeinated drinks or sugary/high-fat foods in the evening, can cause sleep problems.



• Physical/Emotional Issues
  Insomnia in children can sometimes be related to pain from things such as head-colds, ear-ache, colic, teething, allergies, 'growing pains' and more. Conditions that can interfere with sound sleep also include asthma (causes uncontrollable coughing or breathing difficulties), eczema (causes intense itching), bed wetting (often results in night-time waking), illnesses such as chickenpox (itching again), sleep apnea can cause loud snoring and interrupt breathing, allergies (cause blocked nose, coughing etc.), and so on.

  Emotional issues can also be at the root of childhood insomnia. In younger children it could be separation anxiety or night terrors, in older children and teens depression or anxiety could be the trigger.

  For all ages, ADHD, Aspergers' Sydrome, Autism and other conditions can cause children to experience sleep problems, as can the medications used to treat them.



• Sleep Environment
  For some families, sharing a bed with a baby or toddler (or both!) seems to work for all concerned. For others it's disruptive for at least one of the parties involved. A bedroom that is too hot or too cold, too light, or too noisy can also cause insomnia in children. Other simple things such as a wet diaper, too tight PJ's, scratchy sheets or a misplaced 'comfort object' can cause havoc. There's a lot of options in this one!

Treating insomnia in children

But the good news is, that whatever the reason behind your childs' sleep problems, there IS an answer (and hope for a good nights' sleep), it's just a case of finding it!

• Better Sleep Habits
  Setting up a regular bedtime, preceded by a calming routine helps prepare a child for sleep. When it's repeated over and over, it becomes a habit and this routine encourages your childs' body to be ready for, and accept, sleep.

  Avoiding drinks or foods with caffeine, stimulants, colorings, a lot of sugar etc., can be beneficial. Making a childs' bedroom a haven for sleep only (no TV's, computers, telephones etc.), with light-blocking shades and a comfy cot/bed with seasonally-appropriate bedding helps too. Allowing only calming music, stories or activities after dinner time can help your child to 'wind-down' in plenty of time for sleep.



• Treating Health Issues
  Obviously, underlying health conditions such as ear infections, asthma, allergies and so on can be treated effectively with medications. Insomnia in children caused by these sorts of problems then usually resolves itself. If your child has ADHD, or a chronic health problem/syndrome, working with your doctor to find a medication that controls the illness, without causing sleep problems, is essential.

  Sleep terror disorder, nightmares, separation anxiety, depression and other emotional issues should also be discussed with your doctor or another health professional, so that they can be treated. Eliminating these conditions, if they are at the root of insomnia, can make a huge difference to the quality of your childs' sleep.



• Improving Sleep Environment
  If your childs' sleeping arrangements are causing broken nights, it's important to find a solution. Perhaps your toddler has outgrown his crib, and would sleep better in a 'big bed', or if he's been sleeping in the 'family bed', he's ready for more space and his own room. Although these changes may not show overnight improvement in sleep habits (in fact, the change could even cause some upset for the first few days), in the long-term it will be beneficial.

  Adding a humidifier to moisten dry air, adjusting the thermostat/bedding so that your child isn't too hot or too cold, hanging 'black-out' curtains or blinds etc., can all make sleep easier, and more long-lasting.

Medications aren't often used to treat insomnia in children, particularly if it is 'transient' or short-term. In fact, research has shown that behavioral techniques (such as improving sleep habits that's mentioned above) are much more likely to be successful.

For older children or teens who are overly anxious, or are , your doctor may prescribe insomnia or other medications to help relieve their symptoms.

In this case, it's useful to know that, as with some ADHD medications, these treatments may actually make your childs' insomnia worse. If that happens there are always other options and alternatives, so if you notice this talk to your doctor right away.

Some natural supplements and treatments can be used to help children sleep better, but NEVER give your child anything (including 'over the counter' or 'herbal/natural') without consulting a doctor or other health professional first. Just because something is 'natural' or doesn't require a prescription, it doesn't mean it's safe - check first!

In most cases, insomnia in children is a short-term problem, and you won't always be fighting with your child over an acceptable bedtime, or waking up to him crying at 2am..... although it can definitely feel endless when he's tired, you're exhausted and nothing seems to be working.

If the tips and techniques above don't work, or your child is sick or you feel he may be suffering from a sleep disorder such as pediatric sleep apnea, please take him to your doctor as soon as you can.

That way everyone can finally get the sleep they need :o)

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