Guide · 2 min read
Sleep Disorders in Children – What Parents Need to Know
Knowing what is behind your child's sleep problem is the first step to better nights for the whole family.
General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
CHILDREN · SLEEP PROBLEMS
Children's sleep problems at a glance
- Up to 50%Of kids have one
- Children's sleep problems differ from adults'.
- Sleep apnea in children often comes from large tonsils or adenoids.
- Night terrors are not harmful and usually stop by the teens.
- Untreated problems can affect school, behavior, growth and mood.
See a sleep specialist if your child…
- Snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep
- Has strong fear at bedtime
- Sleepwalks often, or gets hurt during night terrors
- Is very sleepy during the day
Sleep problems are surprisingly common in children. Up to 50% of kids have one at some point, from night terrors and sleepwalking to snoring and bedtime battles. As a pediatric sleep specialist (a sleep doctor for children), Dr. Patel knows how children's sleep problems differ from adults'.
What unusual actions can happen during sleep?
Doctors call these parasomnias (unusual actions during sleep).
- Night terrors — Your child suddenly screams and seems scared during deep sleep.
- Sleepwalking — Walking or doing things while asleep.
- Confusional arousals — Your child wakes up confused and not sure where they are.
- Sleep talking — Talking while asleep.
What breathing problems can happen during sleep?
- Obstructive sleep apnea — Breathing stops and starts during sleep. It is often caused by large tonsils or adenoids (tissue at the back of the throat and nose).
- Primary snoring — Snoring on its own.
What sleep problems are linked to behavior?
- Bedtime resistance — Refusing to go to bed.
- Sleep-onset association disorder — Needing certain things in place to fall asleep.
- Delayed sleep phase — Falling asleep and waking up very late, most often in teens.
How can sleep problems affect growth and learning?
Sleep problems that are not treated can lead to:
- School — Trouble at school.
- Behavior — Behavior problems that look like ADHD.
- Growth — Slower growth and development.
- Mood — Mood and emotional problems.
- Immune system — A weaker immune system (the body's defense against germs).
Call (512) 931-1575 to book a sleep visit for your child.
CHILDREN · SLEEP PROBLEMS
Common sleep problems in children
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Unusual actions in sleep (parasomnias) | Night terrors, sleepwalking, waking confused, sleep talking |
| Breathing problemsDeciding factor | Obstructive sleep apnea, snoring on its own |
| Behavior-related | Refusing bed, needing certain things to fall asleep |
| Body clock | Falling asleep and waking very late, most often in teens |
Common questions
Are night terrors harmful?
When should I worry about my child's sleep?
Trusted medical sources
This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.
Further reading
- AAPSleep in Children
- Sleep FoundationChildren and Sleep
- NIHSleep Disorders
- AASMSleep Education
- CDCSleep Health
Part of our children's sleep disorders service.