
Types of Sleep Disorders in Children
Did you know? Children and adolescents who get at least 9 hours of sleep each night perform better academically and enjoy healthier social lives. |
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleep is a critical component of young people’s overall well-being, yet nearly 60% of middle school students and over 70% of high school students don’t get enough rest.
The consequences of sleep deprivation are far-reaching. Studies reveal that inadequate sleep can lead to:
- poor concentration
- memory issues
- decreased problem-solving abilities
all of which can significantly hinder academic performance.
Lack of sleep can increase the risk of mental health issues such as stress and anxiety, affecting their emotional well-being and social interactions.
Common sleeping disorders in children
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Delayed sleep phase syndrome, or “sleepy teen” syndrome, is an extreme shift in the biological clock. This shift typically occurs in late childhood or early adolescence.
Children with this illness cannot fall or stay asleep for two or more hours after bedtime, making getting up for school or other activities difficult. Children with delayed sleep phase syndrome also sleep much later than usual on weekends.


Night Terrors
Night terrors are more common in children than in adults. They cause a person to awaken abruptly from sleep, appearing terrified or disturbed.
Symptoms of night terrors include:
- Sobbing
- Yelling
- Occasionally sleepwalking
During an episode, the person is not fully aware, and most children do not recall the incident.
Night terrors typically occur during non-REM sleep, which begins about 90 minutes after a child falls asleep. There is no therapy for night terrors, but you can control the occurrences of night terrors by sticking to a sleep plan and limiting nocturnal disruptions.
Childhood insomnia
Childhood insomnia is when a child has trouble falling or staying asleep at least three days a week. It often includes refusing to sleep or needing a parent or a favorite item, like a toy or blanket, to fall asleep.
Movement disorders
Movement disorders like restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, are neurological illnesses that induce unpleasant sensations in the legs and a strong desire to move them. Symptoms may worsen at night and can disrupt your child’s sleep. These two movement abnormalities are usually seen simultaneously.

Hypersomnia
A hypersomniac child or adolescent is excessively sleepy during the daytime. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes frequent daytime napping, a transient lack of muscle control, and hallucinations when a kid goes asleep or wakes up.
Other sleep-disrupting diseases, such as delayed sleep phase syndrome or obstructive sleep apnea can also cause hypersomnia. Excessive daily sleepiness may also be indicative of a concussion, epilepsy, or other medical conditions. Careful diagnosis is essential for determining the appropriate treatment for hypersomnia in children.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are unwanted bodily sensations or experiences common in younger children during falling asleep, deep or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, or waking from non-REM sleep.
Common parasomnias, such as sleepwalking, waking up bewildered, and sleep terrors, in which a kid gets terrified in the middle of the night, are generally triggered by arousal from non-REM sleep.
Children can experience intense nightmares during REM sleep. Some children are briefly unable to move their bodies, heads, or limbs during the transition from sleep to wakefulness, while others experience hallucinations as they awaken from sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea disrupts a child’s breathing during sleep. Children with this illness snore or gasp for air and are frequently woken during the night.
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in children with enormous tonsils or adenoids, as well as those who have anatomical issues with the face or head, such as cleft lip and palate.
Sleep apnea can also occur in children with neuromuscular illnesses, such as muscular dystrophy, which weakens the muscles responsible for breathing.

Tips to battle sleeping problems in children
Parents and caregivers can play an active role in helping their children sleep better. Experts also offer many techniques to assist a youngster in getting enough rest:
Promote relaxation:
- Consider taking a warm bath or doing some peaceful reading before bed.
- Keep the bedroom lights turned down during this time.
- Before going to bed, make sure the room is dark and comfy.
Set a bedtime routine: Taking the same actions every night allows your youngster to become accustomed to a sleep schedule. Ask older children how many books they want to read before bedtime.
Emphasize spending time together: Communicate with your child for a few minutes before bed, perhaps during cuddle time. Inquire about their day and spark discussion. This type of activity can make children feel less restless.
Put the screens out: Make the bedroom an electronic-free zone. Begin the sleep routine early enough so the youngster is away from screens at least an hour before bedtime. It is a good idea to establish a positive relationship with nighttime. Instead of scolding your child for waking up during the night, consider implementing a reward system for getting up and going to bed at the appropriate hour.
Consult Dr. Arif Khan today to defeat sleep disorders in toddlers
If your child is displaying signs of sleep disorders, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Dr. Arif Khan specializes in pediatric sleep disorders and can provide a comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatment options tailored to your child’s needs.
Don’t let sleep issues impact your toddler’s health and well-being any longer – consult Dr Arif Khan today to defeat sleep disorders in toddlers.