Sleep Concerns - Kidswell Health

Why is sleep essential?

Sleep is essential for a child’s physical growth, emotional well-being, and cognitive development. It plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, learning, immune function, and overall mood regulation. Poor sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating, irritability, behavioural challenges, and even impact long-term health.

How much sleep should children have?

The amount of sleep a child needs varies by age:

Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours per day
Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours (including naps)
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours (including naps)
Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
School-age children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours

Many children experience sleep disturbances at different stages of their growth, which can be caused by stress, inconsistent routines, medical conditions, or environmental factors. While occasional sleep disruptions are normal, ongoing sleep problems can affect a child’s ability to focus, learn, and regulate emotions, making it important to address any persistent issues.

Common sleep problems in children

Sleep issues in children can take many forms, including:

Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early.
Nightmares & Night Terrors: Frightening dreams or sudden episodes of confusion and distress during sleep.
Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis): Involuntary urination during sleep, common in younger children.
Sleepwalking & Teeth Grinding: Unconscious movements or behaviours during sleep, often seen in younger children.
Restless Leg Syndrome: A sensation of discomfort in the legs that disrupts sleep.
Sleep Apnoea: A condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, often linked to snoring or difficulty breathing.

Sleep problems can also be linked to underlying conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, allergies, reflux, or other medical issues. Additionally, excessive screen time before bed, irregular sleep schedules, or a stimulating sleep environment can further disrupt healthy sleep patterns.

How to improve your child’s sleep

Helping your child develop healthy sleep habits can significantly improve their sleep quality. Some strategies include:

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine with calming activities like reading or bath time.
Creating a comfortable sleep environment that is quiet, dark, and cool.
Limiting screen time at least an hour before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure.
Encouraging relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching.
Setting consistent wake-up times to regulate their internal body clock.
Avoiding late naps that may interfere with nighttime sleep.
Addressing night-time issues like bedwetting with scheduled bathroom trips or night alarms.

For children with more severe sleep disturbances, behavioural interventions or, in rare cases, medications may be recommended under medical supervision.

How we can help

If your child’s sleep issues persist despite improving their sleep habits, or if their lack of sleep is affecting their behaviour, learning, or daily activities, it may be time to seek professional support.

At Kidswell Health, we provide expert assessment and personalised solutions to help children and their families navigate sleep challenges. Whether your child is struggling with night-time fears, frequent awakenings, or a medical condition affecting their sleep, we are here to help.

Additional resources

NHS: Sleep and young children

Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is intended as general advice and does not replace a medical assessment. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please contact your doctor for advice. In an emergency or for urgent care, call 999 or visit your local A&E.

Sleep Concern Treatment for Children

Why is sleep essential?

How much sleep should children have?

Common sleep problems in children

How to improve your child’s sleep

How we can help

Struggling with your child’s sleep?

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