Childhood Insomnia and Sleep Problems | Pineville Pediatrics | Ballantyne Pediatrician

Childhood Insomnia and Sleep Problems

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Trouble Sleeping Many healthy children have trouble sleeping. Indeed, humans and animals need a restful sleep to heal and repair the body. However, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), more than two in every three children ages 10 and under have experienced some type of sleep problem.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disturbance in which patients have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night.

This problem can make it difficult to wake up too early. Insomnia is associated with a feeling of nonrestorative sleep and impairment in daytime functioning.

Types of Insomnia

Insomnia can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (longlasting). Acute insomnia is a typical issue. The most common causes of short-lived insomnia include stress or a traumatic event. It usually lasts a few days or weeks.

Chronic Insomnia On the other hand, chronic insomnia can last a month or more.

Most cases of chronic sleep disorders are secondary. It means that they are the symptom or the side effect of other issues such as certain medical problems.

Substances such as caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can also be a cause of chronic insomnia.

Insomnia Symptoms

Staying awake for a long time before falling asleep Sleeping for only short periods Waking up too early Daytime sleepiness and lack of energy Anxiety, depression, or irritability. Sleeping disorders may cause trouble concentrating on tasks such as learning and remembering

If your child has insomnia, you must identify stressors such as additional homework, problems with friends, family issues, and other situations that can cause nighttime anxiety. It is crucial to establish a regular bedtime routine that avoids environmental factors such as noise, temperature issues, and excessive lighting. Make sure your child feels comfortable before sleep. Also, you must restrict the use of electronics in the bedroom.

Treating sleep disorders in children caused by poor sleep habits, stress, or behavioral factors is not always easy. Often, successful treatment for childhood insomnia requires the child to learn how to sleep on his own and recover good sleep hygiene.

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