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Sleep problems are common in children. Here, we explore their implications and possible solutions.
Sleep problems in children
Sleep problems in children are a common challenge that many families face. They can affect the well-being of both the child and the family. From difficulty falling asleep to waking up several times during the night, sleep difficulties can have many causes, including stress, irregular sleep routines, environmental factors, and, in some cases, underlying medical or psychological conditions.
These problems can affect a child’s energy level and mood during the day, as well as their physical health and development. Understanding the most common sleep problems and how to address them effectively is essential to helping your child achieve a good night’s sleep and promote a healthy lifestyle.
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Sleep problems at different ages
Understanding and identifying sleep problems in children of different ages is essential to support their health and development. Here, we describe how these problems can manifest themselves through various stages of childhood.
Infants (0-1 years)
Nature of sleep: Babies sleep a lot but for short periods. Their sleep is not tied to the natural circadian rhythm, leading to irregular sleep.
Challenges: Difficulties sleeping through the night are common. They may also need to be fed frequently, which disrupts their sleep.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Nature of sleep: Toddlers need about 12-14 hours of sleep daily, including naps. They begin to adapt to more regular sleep patterns.
Challenges: Resistance to going to bed is standard. The development of imagination may make them more susceptible to nightmares. There may be problems with bedwetting, dental anxiety, sleepwalking, sleep talking, breathing difficulties and difficulty sleeping in their bed.
Preschool age (3-6 years)
Nature of sleep: Children at this age need about 10-12 hours of sleep per night.
Challenges: Difficulties falling asleep and waking up during the night may occur. Stress related to the day’s activities or changes in routine can affect their sleep. There may be problems with bedwetting, teeth grinding, sleepwalking, sleep talking, breathing difficulties and difficulty sleeping in their bed.
School-age (7-12 years)
Nature of sleep: Children need about 9-11 hours per night. Their activities and school work increase, requiring more from their sleep for recovery.
Challenges: Exposure to electronic screens and increased activity can disrupt their sleep routines, making it harder for them to fall asleep. They may also fear darkness, sleeping in their own bed, not being able to fall asleep, sleeping away, and having nightmares.
Adolescence (13-18 years)
The nature of sleep: Teenagers need about 8-10 hours of sleep, but few achieve this. Biological changes shift their internal clock to sleep later and wake times.
Challenges: Late-night habits and early school hours create a conflict that often leads to sleep deprivation. Social and academic pressures can also contribute to sleep difficulties. Circadian reversal, sleep problems such as insomnia, evening anxiety, delayed sleep phase, and narcolepsy can also be problems.
To promote better sleep habits in all age groups, creating a calming routine before bedtime, keeping the bedroom dark and comfortable, and limiting screen time is essential. Understanding these challenges is the first step in helping children develop healthier sleep habits and supporting their well-being and development.
Sleep difficulties in children with ADHD
Children with ADHD often face sleep challenges, such as difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, and frequent awakenings. Their tendency to be overactive and difficulties following sleep routines can exacerbate these problems. A quiet evening routine reduces screen time before bedtime, and a relaxing sleep environment can help. In case of persistent sleep difficulties, seeking advice from a professional is essential.
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Treatment of sleep problems in children
Good sleep hygiene must be established to treat sleep problems in children. This means establishing regular sleeping patterns and a calming evening routine. The bedroom should be optimized for sleep, so it should be quiet, dark, and calm. Limiting your child’s screen time, especially before bedtime, is also essential to counteract the effects of blue light.
Physical activity during the day can facilitate falling asleep, while caffeine intake should be avoided. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can also promote sleep. If these measures do not have the desired effect, seeking professional help from a child psychologist who can offer further advice or treatments may be necessary.
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12 FAQs about Sleep Problems in Children
What are sleep problems in children?
Sleep problems can range from difficulty falling asleep to waking up several times during the night, the different forms of sleep difficulties can have many causes, including stress, irregular sleep routines, environmental factors, and in some cases, underlying medical or psychological conditions.
What can sleep problems in babies look like?
Difficulty sleeping through the night is typical. They may need to be fed frequently, which often disrupts their sleep.
What can sleep problems look like in children between 1 and 3?
Resistance to going to bed and night terrors are common. The development of their imagination may make them more susceptible to nightmares. There may be problems with bedwetting, teeth grinding, sleepwalking, sleep talking, breathing difficulties and difficulty sleeping in their bed.
What can sleep problems be like for children aged 4-5 years?
Difficulty falling asleep and waking up during the night may occur. Stress related to the day’s activities or changes in routine can affect their sleep. There may be problems with bedwetting, teeth grinding, sleepwalking, sleep talking, breathing difficulties and difficulty sleeping in their bed.
How can sleep problems manifest themselves at 6-12 years old?
Exposure to electronic screens and increased activity can disrupt their sleep routines, making it harder for them to fall asleep. They may also have fears of the dark, sleeping in their own bed, not being able to fall asleep, sleeping away, and having nightmares.
How can sleep problems manifest themselves in teenagers?
Late-night habits and early school hours create a conflict that often leads to sleep deprivation. Social and academic pressures can also contribute to sleep difficulties. Turning the clock, sleep problems such as insomnia, evening anxiety, delayed sleep phase and narcolepsy can also be problems.
What can sleep problems be in children with ADHD?
Children with ADHD can often face challenges with sleeping, such as difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, and frequent awakenings. Their tendency towards overactivity and difficulty following sleep routines can exacerbate these problems. A quiet evening routine reduces screen time before bedtime, and a relaxing sleep environment can help.
How can sleep problems in children be treated?
Treating sleep problems in children requires good sleep hygiene, regular sleep routines, a calming environment, and reduced screen time, complemented by physical activity and relaxation techniques. If challenges persist, it is essential to seek professional help.
What is a child psychologist?
A child psychologist is a licensed professional with knowledge and experience working for children’s and parents’ well-being and mental health.
What does a child psychologist do?
Child psychologists offer therapy and counselling but work with families to provide parental support and the whole family when needed. They also work with schools to create good conditions for the child.
Can I see a child psychologist online?
It is possible to have an online treatment via video. We have several child psychologists who work digitally at Lavendla.
Where can I turn if I or my child needs help from a child psychologist?
Depending on your child’s age, you can seek help through different services, parental counselling, or sleep therapy. At Lavendla, we have experienced child psychologists who can also help.
How does treatment with a child psychologist work?
Seeking help from a psychologist or therapist is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health difficulties or if you are having difficulties as a parent. Here is a brief overview of what treatment can look like:
First step: Initial consultation, in which the psychologist assesses needs through discussions with the child and parents.
Treatment plan: An individualized plan is developed based on your situation and needs.
Types of therapy: The treatment method is adapted to the situation and may include play therapy for younger children, talk therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for older children, focusing on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Other methods, such as family therapy, can also be helpful.
Parental counselling: Parents receive guidance and support to help their child at home better.
Monitoring and adjustment: The treatment plan is continuously evaluated to ensure the best possible outcome.
Working with a psychologist can give you and your child the tools to manage your emotions and behaviours in a healthy way. Lavendla has psychologists and therapists who can help make the difficult easier.
