Lying awake night after night is something you wouldn’t wish on anyone, much less your child. All people, especially children, need good sleep to support the healthy functioning of body and mind. While it has a higher incidence among adults, children also suffer from insomnia, though it usually has different primary causes.

If your child has difficulty falling or staying asleep, so that they are cranky and manifest impaired functioning during daytime, don’t take it lightly; pediatric insomnia can be a sign of certain serious medical and/or emotional problems.

Pay Attention to the Sign

Having difficulty falling or staying asleep from time to time is normal. If it is related to a medication, a stimulant being taken before bedtime, or an uncomfortable environmental condition (low or high temperature in the bedroom, noise, or light conditions), it may be transient insomnia that will soon pass, giving way to normal/regular sleep. What can be worrisome is the permanent or prolonged type.

Untreated, the latter type of insomnia can lead to bigger emotional and behavioral issues, not to mention effects on your child’s cognitive functions. According to Chiu et al. (2014), authors of “Pediatric Sleep Disorders,” published in Medscape, “Higher rates of sleep issues exist among children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental, nonpsychiatric medical conditions and psychiatric disorders.” This is why determining the root cause of prolonged insomnia and treating it is critical for your child’s health.

Read More from the Sign: The Medical-Emotional Associations

Chiu et al. (2014) also say that sleep disturbances, such as long-term pediatric insomnia, can be associated with several medical and emotional conditions.

Pediatric insomnia can be an indication of emotional issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and mania. It may also be a symptom of pervasive developmental disorders and other developmental disorders. In addition, some medical conditions are associated with insomnia—gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nocturnal asthma, nocturnal seizures, and certain conditions that lead to blindness, among others.

Overcoming the Challenge with Expert Help

Since young children cannot help you with information, pediatric insomnia can be very challenging for you to resolve on your own. To properly assess and treat your child, it is best to seek the help of professionals.

If insomnia makes night sleep too elusive for your young child, don’t hesitate to call Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC, before sleeplessness takes a toll on their physical and emotional health. One of the independently contracted therapists can professionally assess your child’s symptoms and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment for pediatric insomnia.

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