Getting adequate quality sleep is essential for the health and development of young children. It is not uncommon for children to experience sleep issues at some point during their childhood. Three common sleep disorders are insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and parasomnias, and if your child exhibits symptoms of one or more, you might need to consult a specialist.
Insomnia
There are two main categories of insomnia, depending on when it occurs. If your child has trouble falling asleep, it is called sleep onset insomnia. If your child has trouble staying asleep, that is sleep maintenance insomnia. Insomnia is most common in children up to 5 years old. It is either caused by or maintained by inconsistent bedtimes, bedtime-resistant behaviors, and anxiety related to sleep. Treatment options include behavioral changes, consistent bedtime routines, family support and sometimes even medications.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Another reason for sleeplessness includes sleep disordered breathing, most commonly obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms can include snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, and disturbed sleep. Causes can include enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, obesity, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions like Trisomy 21.
If there is any suspicion for sleep apnea, then parents should consult a doctor for evaluation and management, as it can lead to learning and behavior issues if left untreated. A sleep study is the gold standard diagnostic test.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are another category of sleep-disrupting conditions. This category includes sleepwalking, night terrors, and confusional arousals, which are partial awakenings in which the child is confused or acting strangely. Parasomnias are often not persistent beyond adolescence but can impact daytime functioning. A Sleep Medicine consultation may be beneficial to discuss safety precautions to take surrounding parasomnias, and when further evaluation is warranted.
When to See a Specialist
If your child consistently struggles with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up frequently during the night, consult their pediatrician and/or a sleep specialist. Trouble sleeping through the night, an unexplained decrease in daytime performance, and unusual sleep events (for example, sleepwalking or nightmares) are important symptoms to report to the pediatrician.
If behavioral changes (consistent bedtime routines, sleep hygiene practices) don’t improve your child’s sleep, or if your child continues to resist bedtime or experiences anxiety related to sleep, contact your pediatrician. Evaluation and management with the help of a Sleep Psychologist may prove to be helpful in such scenarios.
If you notice symptoms like snoring, breathing pauses, or restless legs during sleep, seek professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications.
Remember that each child is unique, and some sleep disturbances are part of normal development. However, if you’re concerned about your child’s sleep patterns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits early on can positively impact your child’s well-being and overall family dynamics. The positive impact of better sleep can improve a child’s daytime behavior and overall quality of life.
Sehyr Imran, MD, is a member of the Section of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
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