Is Your Child Struggling with Sleep? Here Are 15 Common Problems and Solutions
Sleep is essential for a child’s physical and mental development, but many parents face the challenge of getting their kids to sleep well. From difficulty falling asleep to waking up in the middle of the night, children can experience a variety of sleep problems that leave them—and you—exhausted.
Fortunately, many of these issues have straightforward solutions. Understanding the root cause and applying practical fixes can help your child get the rest they need.
Here are 15 common sleep problems in children and how to solve them.
Difficulty Falling Asleep
Many children struggle with falling asleep at bedtime. This can often be caused by overstimulation or inconsistent sleep routines.
Establishing a calming bedtime routine and ensuring your child’s sleep environment is quiet and dark can help ease them into sleep.
Night Waking
Night waking is common in young children, disrupting their sleep—and yours. Make sure your child isn’t too hot or cold, and avoid offering food or entertainment during these wake-ups.
Gently reassure them and help them fall back asleep without engaging in stimulating activities.
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Bedtime Resistance
Children may resist bedtime, especially if they feel they’re missing out on fun. Create a consistent bedtime routine that involves relaxing activities like reading a story.
Stick to the routine even on weekends, so bedtime doesn’t feel negotiable.
Nightmares
Scary dreams can lead to frequent wake-ups and anxiety around bedtime. Reassure your child and talk to them about their fears in the morning, not during the night.
Creating a comforting sleep environment, like a nightlight or favorite stuffed animal, can help ease bedtime anxiety.
Night Terrors
Unlike nightmares, night terrors usually happen in deep sleep and can be alarming for parents. Don’t try to wake your child during a night terror; instead, ensure they’re safe and let the episode pass.
Maintain a calm bedtime routine to reduce night terrors over time.
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Restless Sleep
If your child tosses and turns throughout the night, it could be due to an uncomfortable sleep environment. Ensure their mattress is supportive, their room is cool, and their pajamas are comfortable.
Sometimes, reducing screen time before bed can also lead to more restful sleep.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking can be unsettling, but it’s relatively common in children. Make sure your child’s environment is safe by removing obstacles they could trip over.
Try waking them briefly 30 minutes before their usual sleepwalking episode to interrupt the sleep cycle.
Waking Up Too Early
Some children wake up far too early and are ready to start the day before the sun rises. Use blackout curtains to block out early morning light, and keep the bedtime routine consistent.
A visual clock that signals when it’s okay to get out of bed can also help.
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Difficulty Napping
Some children fight naps, even when they’re clearly tired. Ensure that nap time follows a consistent schedule and occurs in a quiet, dark room.
Limit stimulating activities before nap time to help them wind down.
Bedwetting
Bedwetting is a common issue for younger children, especially those still developing bladder control. Encourage bathroom trips before bedtime, and avoid giving too much fluid in the evening.
Be patient and use waterproof bedding for easy cleanup.
Snoring
Snoring in children could indicate a more serious issue, like sleep apnea. If your child snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep, consult a doctor.
In some cases, snoring can be caused by allergies or nasal congestion, so addressing those issues may help.
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Refusing to Sleep Alone
Children often want a parent to stay with them as they fall asleep. Encourage independence by gradually reducing the time you spend in their room each night.
You can also offer a comfort object, like a favorite blanket or toy, to help them feel secure.
Separation Anxiety at Bedtime
Some children experience anxiety when it’s time to sleep alone. Create a comforting bedtime routine and reassure them that you’re nearby.
Avoid lengthy goodbyes and keep the routine consistent to ease their anxiety.
Frequent Requests After Bedtime
Kids often come up with all kinds of requests once they’re tucked into bed—water, another story, more snuggles. Set clear expectations about bedtime and stick to them.
Encourage your child to take care of their needs before bed, so the routine isn’t interrupted.
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Overstimulation Before Bed
If your child has too much energy at bedtime, it can make falling asleep a struggle. Reduce stimulating activities like TV, video games, or running around close to bedtime.
Instead, offer calming activities like reading, coloring, or gentle music to help them wind down.
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