Sleep Disorders in Children and Teens

Up to half of all children experience sleep problems at some time. Common problems in childhood include resisting going to sleep, growing pains, sleepwalking, sleep talking, and nightmares.

Most children outgrow their sleep problems by their teen years. However, some children and teens do have sleep disorders that need to be treated.

Who gets sleep disorders as a child?

Some children are more likely to develop a sleep disorder than others. African American children and children with Down Syndrome are more likely to have sleep apnea. Sleepwalking is more common in boys ages 8 to 12 and those with a family history of the condition. Nightmares peak between ages 6 and 10. Restless legs syndrome is more common in girls and those with a family history.¹

Being a night owl is called delayed sleep phase disorder and means the person falls asleep and wakes at least 2 hours outside what is considered a normal sleep time. Night owls also have a strong family history.¹

What are common sleep disorders in teens?

The most common issue in teens is the lack of enough sleep. Teens also often develop problems sleeping and waking at socially acceptable times. This is mostly due to a natural shift in their circadian rhythm that makes them want to stay up later and sleep in later.²

Teens may also be affected by what is called social jet lag. This means that socializing with friends online or in-person gets in the way of sleep. Early morning or late evening sports practice can also contribute to social jet lag. Also, school start times are often too early for a teenager’s naturally delayed (later to bed, later to rise) circadian rhythm.²

Signs a child may have a sleep disorder

Only about 5 out of 100 children and teens actually have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. Signs that a child or teen may not be getting good quality sleep include:¹

• Regular daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Choking, snorting, or coughing while asleep
• Breathing stops and starts while asleep
• Bedwetting, after age 5
• Morning headache
• Sleeping with the neck arched or mouth open
• Trouble going to sleep or staying asleep
• Sleepwalking
• Confusion after waking
• Sleep terrors and nightmares
• Kicking while falling asleep or asleep
• Trouble concentrating in school, poor grades
• Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood changes
• Hyperactivity

Treating sleep disorders in children

Untreated sleep disorders can lead to long-term poor health and trouble in school. Even in children and teens, sleep disorders can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, trouble concentrating, and mood and behavior changes.³

Teaching good sleep habits remains the first step in treating any sleep disorder in a child. Weight loss and exercise may help improve the sleep of some children and teens. Some cases of sleep apnea may require surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids. Some children need a machine to help them breathe at night. This is called a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, machine. Narcolepsy may require drugs to be successfully controlled.^1,3

Caregivers should talk with teachers about their child’s sleep disorder. Otherwise, the child might be labeled as lazy, uninterested, unmotivated, or hostile.³

How much sleep does a child or teen need?

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the following amount of sleep per age group:^1,3

There are some differences in the sleep needs of children within these general guidelines. For instance, at 8 years old, 5 percent of white children and 39 percent of African American children nap.¹