Sleep problems are common in children and can impact all aspects of a child’s functioning and poor sleep habits. Some problems are a result of the interactions between behaviour, environment, and psychosocial issues.
Common behavioral sleep problems include:
Primary sleep disorders (such as obstructive sleep apnea) may also result in behavioural issues during the day. Sleep problems and/or sleep disorders may result in daytime sleepiness, behaviour problems (e.g., hyperactivity, inattention) or irritability. It is important for children to not only have good quality sleep but to get enough sleep every night. Good sleep habits may support children with both sleep quality and quantity.
A child’s sleep patterns, poor sleep habits and required sleep hours each night may differ based on their stage of development. Some general pediatric sleep guidelines for the amount of sleep needed for children by age range include the following:
Sleep impacts every aspect of child development, including learning, processing and remembering information. Insufficient sleep may also make it hard for a child to focus on learning or stay attentive in school. Further, a child’s mood and behaviour are affected by a lack of sleep.
Other areas of development affected by poor sleep include growth (since growth hormone is released during sleep in young children), obesity (lack of sleep can lead to weight gain), and overall health. In particular, not getting enough sleep can weaken a child’s immune system, reducing their ability to fight off colds and stay well.
When a child isn’t getting enough sleep, parents often aren’t either. If a child has trouble falling asleep or wakes up early, one or both parents are usually awake too. Sleep loss in parents can impact their daily functioning, including mood, work performance, ability to manage the child’s behaviour, and driving safety.
Family tension can arise if parents disagree on a sleep schedule or how to address a sleep issue. Such conflicts within the family can also affect a child’s sleep habits.
There are some simple ways to tell if your child is not getting enough sleep at night: