Sleep Disorders
Introduction to Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, breathing during sleep, or unusual behaviors at night. In kids and teens, common types include insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing (snoring/obstructive sleep apnea), parasomnias (sleepwalking, night terrors, nightmares), restless legs/periodic limb movements, circadian rhythm delay (night-owl schedule in teens), and narcolepsy (rare). Poor sleep can affect mood, learning, attention, and safety. A careful sleep history helps find the cause and plan treatment.
Safety note:
If your child talks about suicide or has a plan to harm themselves or others, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. In the U.S., you can also call or text 988.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Sleep-disordered breathing (snoring/OSA): enlarged tonsils/adenoids, nasal obstruction, and higher body weight raise risk. Daytime problems can include attention and behavior issues.
- Insomnia and insufficient sleep: irregular schedules, late screens/caffeine, stress, and learned associations (needing a parent to fall asleep).
- Parasomnias: common in childhood and often resolve with age; risk rises with sleep loss, fever, or stress. Safety at night is important.
- Restless legs/periodic limb movements: can be linked to low iron; check and treat iron deficiency when present.
- Circadian delay (teens): natural shift to later bed/wake times makes early school mornings hard.
Treatment and Management
Care at Texas Pediatric Mental Health Services starts with a sleep history (and diary), review of routines, and medical screening. When needed, we coordinate a sleep study and work with your pediatrician and school.
What helps
- Healthy sleep routines (consistent schedule, calming wind-down, limit evening screens/caffeine). CBT-I strategies for older kids/teens.
- Circadian delay (teens): schedule shift plus evening melatonin and morning bright light when appropriate.
- Sleep-disordered breathing: evaluation for adenotonsillar hypertrophy; treatments may include adenotonsillectomy, CPAP, and weight management when needed.
- Parasomnias: reassurance, safety measures (locks, gates), treat triggers (sleep loss, fever). Most improve over time.
- Restless legs/PLMD: address iron deficiency and remove triggers; further therapy if symptoms persist.
We set goals with your family, track progress, and adjust the plan.