Children’s sleep disorders and paediatric insomnia

In short

Sleep problems affect1 in 4 childrenat some point, and impact their development, behavior and performance—as well as parental rest. Most (behavioral insomnia, awakenings, night terrors)are resolved with appropriate guidelines; Others, such as childhood apnoea, require medical treatment. Valuing them early makes a difference.

What is it

Children's sleep is not that of adults

Sleep is essential forgrowth, memory and learningof the child: during sleep the growth hormone is released and what was learned during the day is consolidated. That's why a poor child's rest is not just tiredness: it can be reflected in behavioral problems, attention, irritability or poor school performance, which are sometimes confused with other things.

Sleep changes a lot with age. Babies wake up several times (it's normal), and as they grow, their own challenges appear: difficulty going to bed, fears, nightmares or terrors, snoring... Distinguishing whatnormal for his ageWhat should be discussed is the key.

The good news: the vast majority of children's sleep problems can be solved with the correct guidelines, and when there is a medical cause (such as apnoea), it is also treated.

Recommended hours

How many hours do children need to sleep?

The amount and form of sleep changes greatly with age. Anewbornsleep a total of16 hours a day, divided into 6–8 episodes of about 4 hours, with periods of wakefulness in between; That is why he does not respect the night and wakes up one or several times.

From the first month to 3–6 months, nighttime awakenings decrease and he begins to sleep continuously practically all night. Even so, in almostone third of preschool childrenNight awakenings persist due to inadequate consolidation of the nocturnsleep period.

Among the2 and 4 yearsthey sleep at night10 hours, plus the two usual naps; From the age of 3, the need to sleep during the day decreases until it disappears before the age of 6. From 5 to 10 years of age, sleep matures and resembles that of an adult, although the amount is usually2.5 times higher. Beginning in adolescence, sleep drops to an average of 7–8 hours, although many adolescents probably need more.

Sleep and hyperactivity

Sleep in children with ADHD

Children withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)They tend to be restless, distracted, with mood swings and difficulty completing tasks. During sleep, the most characteristic symptom is the presence offrequent awakenings and restless sleep.

Sleep problems are very common in these children:16.5%presents difficulties starting sleep and39%nocturnal awakenings. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because ADHD and lack of sleep feed off each other: the hyperactive child sleeps worse, and lack of sleep produces more hyperactivation and attention deficit during the day.

Do you identify yourself?

Do any of these situations sound family member to you?

Mark what happens to your child. This is for guidance only — not a diagnosis.

Frequent signs

Select all the ones you recognize

Has a hard time going to bed or asks to be accompanied to sleep He wakes up several times at night and demands you Have episodes of screaming or agitation while sleeping Snores loudly or pauses when breathing You are very irritable, agitated, or have trouble concentrating during the day Reluctant to go to bed every night ('battle') Have frequent nightmares or fear of sleeping Sleep problems exhaust the whole family

0/8

Select what applies to youYou will see guidance based on your answers here.

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Types

Most frequent sleep problems in childhood

Tap each one to get to know them:

Behavioral insomnia

The most frequentGood prognosis

Difficulty falling asleep or awakenings that require the presence of parents, due to sleeping habits and associations. Responds very well to sleep guidelines and age-appropriate routines.

Night terrors and nightmares

Very commonThey usually subside with age

Episodes of agitation in the first half of the night (terrors) that the child does not remember, or distressing sleeps that wake up (nightmares). Almost always benign; We reassure the family and take care of the routine.

Sleep apnoea in children

To treat

Snoring with pauses, restless sleep, and sometimes behavioral or attention problems. It is usually due to tonsils or large vegetations and has treatment. It is worth studying it.

Phase delay in adolescents

Common in adolescence

The clock goes back: they do not sleep until very late and it is extremely difficult for them to get up for class. It is not (only) lack of will; it is readjusted with light, schedules and habits.

Restless legs and movements

Often goes unnoticed

Also in children, restlessness may appear in the legs or movements that fragment sleep, sometimes confused with 'nerves' or 'growth'. It is valued and treated.

Why it happens

Why do they sleep badly?

It is usually a combination of age, habits and, sometimes, a medical cause.

Routines and habits

Irregular schedules and sleep associations.

Screens

Light and stimulation before sleep delay sleep.

Apnea/tonsils

Frequent medical cause of poor child rest.

Anxiety and fears

Changes, school or worries affect sleep.

Genetic factors

Terrors and sleepwalking have a family burden.

biological clock

Especially phase delay in adolescents.

How we help

How we study and help

We assess the child closely and, when necessary, with a sleep study adapted to their age.

First consultation

History of sleep, routines and development

Sleep agenda

We register your pattern for a few days

Study if applicable

Pediatric polysomnography for apnoea or other causes

Family plan

Guidelines for the family and treatment if necessary

of visits to the pediatrician are related to sleep problems

daily sleep in the newborn

16.5% of children with ADHD have difficulties falling asleep

39% of children with ADHD experience nocturnal awakenings

”

My 4-year-old daughter woke up five times a night and we were exhausted. With the guidelines they gave us, in two weeks I was sleeping soundly. We recover the nights.

C.B.

Cristina B.· mother of patient · Madrid
★★★★★

FAQ

We solve your doubts

Is it normal for my baby to wake up at night?

Yes, in the first months awakenings are normal and expected. The problem appears when they persist beyond what is expected for their age or prevent the family from resting; then it is advisable to evaluate habits.

Are night terrors dangerous?

Generally no. They are common in childhood and usually disappear with age. Ask us if they are very frequent, there is a risk of injury or they affect the child's day.

My child snores, should I be worried?

Habitual snoring with pauses, restless sleep or attention problems may indicate childhood apnoea, which has treatment. It is worth studying it.

My teenager doesn't sleep until very late, is it laziness?

Not necessarily. In adolescence, a delay in the biological clock is very common, making it difficult to sleep and get up. It can be readjusted with light, schedules and habits.

Do you do sleep studies on children?

Yes, we perform sleep studies adapted to pediatric age when necessary.

Children’s sleep: so your child (and you) can really rest.