Common Sleep Problems in Children and Adolescents

 

Insomnia is a broad term used to describe difficulties falling asleep (sleep onset) and/or staying asleep (sleep maintenance), as well as restless or poor-quality sleep. These difficulties can impact daytime functioning, leading to fatigue, irritability, and changes in mood, behaviour, and academic performance

 

Anxiety: Anxiety is a common cause of sleep difficulties in children and young people. At night, worries often become more noticeable, making it hard for the mind to switch off. Anxiety activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, increasing adrenaline and cortisol, alertness, heart rate, and muscle tension—states that are not compatible with sleep. This can delay sleep onset and lead to restless or unsettled sleep. Children may also wake more easily during the night and struggle to return to sleep and an increased reliance on parental support.

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Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder: Common in adolescents, this condition involves a shift in the body’s internal clock, resulting in a natural tendency to fall asleep late and wake late. This misalignment with school schedules can make it very difficult to wake in the morning and function during the day. As a result, adolescents may experience fatigue, reduced academic performance, and changes in mood and behaviour. In some cases, this pattern can contribute to or be associated with school refusal

 

Night Waking/Nighttime Fears: Common in young children and pre-adolescents, this is often a normal phase of development. At night, children may feel more vulnerable and become hypervigilant to the dark, noises, or imagined threats. This can make it difficult to settle to sleep independently and may lead to frequent night wakings, with children seeking reassurance from parents. Fears may relate to the dark, unfamiliar sounds, or themes from media and peer conversations. These night wakings can be distressing for both the child and their family.

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Dependant Sleep Associations: This occurs when an infant, toddler, or young child becomes reliant on a parent or specific actions—such as feeding, rocking, patting, or lying with them—to fall asleep. As a result, the child may need the same support to return to sleep after normal night-time awakenings. This can lead to ongoing night wakings, with parents needing to repeatedly assist the child back to sleep at each waking.

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Underlying neurodevelopmental, sensory or medical vulnerabilities which impact sleep: Children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD, as well as sensory or medical differences, often experience more complex sleep challenges. Differences in regulation, sensory processing, and the effects of some medications can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. These sleep patterns are not simply behavioural, and often require a tailored, individualised approach. We work with families to develop practical, evidence-based strategies that support each child’s unique needs.

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Parasomnia:  Parasomnias are sleep-related events that occur during the night, such as night terrors, sleepwalking, and nightmares. These can be distressing for both children and parents, but are often a normal part of development. Episodes typically occur in specific stages of sleep and children are often not fully awake or aware during them. While many parasomnias resolve over time, support can help manage frequency, safety, and parental confidence.

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