Sleep Disorders in Children

Obstructive sleep apnoea happens when a child’s airway gets blocked while they sleep, causing frequent awakenings. Children with OSA often snore loudly, have pauses in breathing, or adopt strange sleeping positions.

Causes of OSA in children:

The most common culprit is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Other possible causes include:

• A small jaw or narrow facial structure
• History of cleft palate or pharyngeal flap surgery
• Obesity
• Neuromuscular disorders

Treatment for OSA in children:

OSA in kids is often treated with relatively straightforward surgery. While no parent loves the idea of their child having surgery, it’s best to address the problem early. Treating OSA when your child is young ensures that it doesn’t turn into bigger health issues later on.

Sleepwalking is when a child gets up and walks around while still asleep. It’s actually pretty common—around 10-20% of kids sleepwalk occasionally. In most cases, they grow out of it as they get older.

Causes of sleepwalking:

• Family history of sleepwalking
• Overtiredness
• Irregular sleep schedule
• Illness or fever
• Full bladder before bed
• Changes in sleep environment (like moving rooms)
• Certain medications

Treatment for sleepwalking:

While sleepwalking generally decreases with age, it’s important to keep your child safe during episodes. Here’s what you can do:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
• Don’t wake a sleepwalking child—gently guide them back to bed
• Keep their sleeping area familiar
• Safety-proof your home (lock doors and windows, block stairs)
• Make sure they’ve used the toilet before bed

If sleepwalking becomes more frequent or doesn’t improve, it might indicate an underlying condition like sleep apnoea or restless legs syndrome. In that case, it’s a good idea to talk to a sleep specialist.

UARS is a bit trickier to diagnose but can cause similar issues to sleep apnoea, like daytime tiredness, insomnia, and trouble concentrating.

Causes of UARS:

UARS occurs when a narrowing of the airway limits airflow, but unlike OSA, there aren’t major pauses in breathing. Kids with UARS tend to have normal weight, while kids with OSA are often overweight.

Treatment for UARS:
The most common treatment for UARS in kids is the removal of tonsils or adenoids. Other options include:

• Orthodontic treatment
• Oral appliances
• Positional therapy

Here are some signs that your child might be dealing with a sleep disorder:

• Persistent snoring or interrupted breathing while asleep
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty concentrating or poor school performance
• Hyperactivity or behavioural issues
• Bed-wetting after the age of 5

Sometimes, kids just have a hard time sleeping. If you don’t suspect an underlying disorder, there are some simple things you can do to help your child get a better night’s rest:

• Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake time
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine, like a bath and a story
• Avoid caffeine in the afternoon
• Keep their room dark, quiet, and well-ventilated
• Remove all screens an hour before bed
• Help your child settle into their own bed rather than letting them fall asleep in your arms