Sleep is so incredibly crucial to health and cognitive function that it’s only natural to worry about whether your child is getting enough.
And if your child often seems sleepy, something is probably off. We know that most children have more energy than adults so that they can run, play, explore, and learn. But when a child always seems to need a nap, it’s a good sign that something isn’t working on the sleep front.
5 Signs Your Child May Have a Sleep Disorder
But there are a few things that indicate probable sleep issues, and we’re going to cover them here. If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child’s doctor about what may be happening.
Here are five signs your child may have a sleep disorder.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)
If you feel tired during the day, you might not give it a second thought. But if your child is nodding out during arts and crafts, you can bet something is going on.
You probably already do everything to help ensure your child gets enough sleep, but a sleep disorder could be derailing your best efforts.
Above the age of 5 or 6, most kids don’t need naps during the day. So if your child is napping daily, talk to your doctor about it. You may find that your child needs a rest, and there are no issues, but it’s worth investigating.
Trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep
If your child takes a long time to get to sleep or wakes up frequently during the night, your child may have insomnia. This can be difficult for parents to wrap our heads around because most of us have become so accustomed to kids having sleep issues. But past toddlerhood, this shouldn’t be a regular thing.
Nightmares or night terrors
If your child has recurring nightmares, this can disrupt sleep. It’s normal for children to have nightmares, but they usually begin to taper off after the age of 10. And if your child has them often, it can lead to more intense problems like anxiety and behavioral issues.
Night terrors are a lot like nightmares, but the child never wakes up. Still, it can disturb the child’s sleep.
Snoring
If your child snores regularly, he or she may suffer from enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or nasal congestion. These are issues that can be solved with relative ease. But on the sleep disorder side of things, it could also be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is probably more common than you think. It happens in more than 30 percent of children. If you catch your child walking around during the night, he or she may be sleepwalking.
They may even have their eyes open, but you won’t be able to have a conversation with them. When this happens, the child is still sleeping, but it’s not the kind of deep, restful sleep your child needs.
5 Signs Your Child May Have a Sleep Disorder
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s not necessarily a sleep disorder. To figure out whether it’s a problem, talk to your child’s pediatrician.