Insomnia in children is not that uncommon. Many children have sleeping problems some time in their lives. Children who won't fall asleep or have irregular sleeping patterns can give much frustration to their tired parents. In children, insomnia typically is not a primary condition, but rather associated with psychological or medical conditions, such as anxiety, depression, pain and asthma.



Insomnia in elementary-school children often involves complaints about nighttime fears and anxiety provoking dreams. Sleep disturbances during adolescence can occur as a result of differing bedtimes on school nights as opposed to non-school nights, inadequate parental supervision, environmental factors including use of television and the internet, and consumption of alcohol or caffeine.

Millions of children worldwide suffer from some kind of general insomnia. What is troubling though is that many parents either do not know or refuse to admit it because they see their sleeping patterns as being normal. However, as parents we do not always see that not getting a full night of rest can lead to further problems in the future.

What can parents do to help children get to sleep?

1. Make the bedroom boring. Or at least dark and free of easy distractions. Televisions, computers, bright lights and electronic toys can interfere with your child's sleep patterns.

2. Create a routine wind-down period before bedtime. Most children find it difficult to sleep after exercise or other heavy physical activity. Establishing a routine promotes good sleep habits. Reading a story to small children is one way to do this, and even older children respond to a routine.

2. Last but not least, make bedtime fun! Using "being sent to bed" as a punishment to bad behavior is a bad idea. Then bed becomes associated with losing or being punished. Talk up bedtime as a good thing, not a bad thing. Have your children looking forward to bedtime because they know they are going to get your undivided attention - and, we all know kids love personal attention from their parents.

Another good way to handle insomnia in children is the natural way - aromatherapy. Many alternative treatments are effective in treating both the symptom of insomnia and its underlying causes. Incorporating relaxation techniques into bedtime rituals will help children go to sleep faster, as well as improve the quality of sleep. These methods include massage, breathing exercises, a warm bath, and a scented room, pillows and linens with rose and lavender. Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and the B vitamins is also beneficial.

No matter what, though, whether it is a serious sleep disorder or a short-term struggle with insomnia, a good night of rest should be a top priority in your child's life. Whatever the case, you need to find ways and methods of creating a comfortable and restful environment. And, of course, do not let it go untreated. It is better to be safe than sorry in terms of insomnia, and there is no shame in getting it checked out by a medical professional.