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Has your child been having trouble sleeping lately? Are they waking up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, fighting going to bed, or making several trips to your room in the night? They could be struggling with a common (yet frequently misunderstood) concern: pediatric insomnia. Unlike other sleep disorders, pediatric insomnia involves challenges with initiating sleep, maintaining its duration, consolidating rest, and getting quality sleep, even when ample opportunity for rest is available. It’s important to note that this condition doesn’t just result in fatigue for children who have it; it can also have a serious impact on their emotional, behavioral, social, and cognitive wellness.

Knowledge is power when it comes to our kids’ mental health, so read on to get a better understanding of what pediatric insomnia is, what can cause it, and how you can start supporting your child if you suspect they have it.

The Scope of Pediatric Insomnia

Insomnia among kids is a more common concern than you might think. In fact, 10-30% of children will experience it at some point during their childhood, and this number is even higher among children who have medical, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric conditions. Pediatric insomnia can manifest in several ways, which can include resistance to bedtime, difficulty falling asleep, frequent night waking, and early morning awakenings.

Drivers of Childhood Insomnia

There are a few potential causes of pediatric insomnia. It can stem from a primary sleep disorder, or present itself as a symptom of an underlying medical, developmental, or psychiatric disorder, with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety (including separation anxiety), ADHD, and ASD being some of the most common culprits. External factors, such as stress, trauma, certain medications, caffeine intake, and screen time can also exacerbate the problem.

Health Implications

The repercussions of insufficient sleep extend beyond daytime drowsiness. For children, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to attention deficits, psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression, and hindered performance in both school and social settings. It’s not just kids who sleep can also have a major impact on the well-being of adults, with persistent sleep issues linked to serious health conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Supporting Your Child's Sleep

One of the best ways to address pediatric insomnia is by establishing good sleep hygiene with your little one. Structured bedtime routines, transition rituals such as winding down with a bedtime story or soft music, and maintaining a predictable sleep environment can all help improve your child’s sleep quality. And if you’re looking for more strategies to support their sleep habits, books like It’s Never Too Late to Sleep Train are a great place to start.

Seeking Help

While good sleep hygiene practices are an important part of managing pediatric insomnia, recognizing when to seek professional help is just as critical. If your child continues to struggle with their sleep despite your best efforts, consulting a specialist can provide necessary guidance and support. ⁣We’re here for you at Little Otter, and we offer extensive resources and support for families navigating the challenges of pediatric insomnia — learn more at the link below!