What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition that causes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. It can occur in children of all ages.

Symptoms

Children with insomnia can have a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • struggles around going to bed
  • difficulty falling asleep
  • frequent waking at night
  • waking very early
  • difficulty napping
  • trouble waking in the morning
  • daytime tiredness
  • irritability
  • behavioral problems

Diagnosis

To diagnose insomnia, your child’s doctor will take a detailed medical history and may ask you to keep a sleep log for a few weeks.

Treatment

Treatment for insomnia usually involves making changes to sleep habits or behavior. Some children may also benefit from medication.

Learn more about Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy, Immunology and Sleep services at Boston Children’s Health Physicians.

Our second opinions bring peace of mind

Getting a second opinion from one of our clinicians will give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child’s health is in expert hands. Simply call 844-463-2247 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.