Sleep disorders are often thought of as an adult issue, but children and teens can struggle with sleep just as much. In fact, pediatric sleep problems are quite common, and they can affect everything from behavior and mood to learning and development (1, 2). For this reason, The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona treats a variety of adults and pediatric patients with some as young as two years old. 

Because sleep affects nearly every aspect of a child’s well-being, getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment as early as possible is extremely important.

Why Choose The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona for Pediatric Sleep Care

At The Insomnia and Sleep Institute, both adults and children as young as two years old can receive specialized sleep care. Consultations are conducted by sleep specialists who can diagnose and treat a full range of sleep disorders. 

The clinic has also been recognized as a “Top Doc” in the Phoenix area over the last six consecutive years. With multiple specialists and a team dedicated exclusively to sleep medicine, the focus is always on achieving measurable, lasting outcomes for patients.

Pediatric Sleep Disorders in Children

It’s normal for children to occasionally have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. In many cases, however, this might actually be due to a sleep disorder. Children can also have similar physiological sleep disorders as adults, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)  (3). 

Younger patients are also more inclined to experience disruptive behaviors such as parasomnia events (sleepwalking), restless legs syndrome, or other sleep-related movement disorders such as cataplexy (4). Even when children share the same diagnosis as adults, the way symptoms appear and the underlying causes can be quite different due to developmental factors. (5, 6).

Because childhood development plays such a large role in sleep, treatment approaches are often tailored to the child’s age, environment, and behavioral patterns.

Understanding “Normal” Sleep in Children

The first key step in treating a pediatric sleep disorder is to establish expectations about what “normal” or healthy sleep looks like for a child’s age group. From there, treatment may include behavioral strategies, environmental adjustments, or therapies such ascognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

Interestingly, our modern approach to children’s sleep schedules is a relatively recent cultural shift. According to Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of “Why We Sleep,” preindustrial societies in Western Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America arranged their routines around biphasic sleeping patterns (7). 

Walker writes that historically, children’s sleep patterns were not seen as significantly different from those of grown-ups, with little ones fulfilling their need for additional hours however and whenever they could. It wasn’t until factory work came along in the late 1700s that adult schedules began to become more regimented and children’s sleep patterns followed suit (7). 

Treatment Options for Pediatric Sleep Disorders

There are many approaches that may be taken to help your child with their sleep disorder. A few common approaches include scheduled awakenings  positive reinforcement strategies (8,9). In some cases, a supplement or medication may be recommended (10). 

Children with certain conditions may also benefit from collaboration with other specialists, such as ENT physicians or orthodontists. For example, children with OSA may benefit from CPAP therapy, which is the standard OSA treatment in both adults and children.

How Pediatric Sleep Disorders Are Diagnosed

If you think your child is struggling with sleep, the journey starts with a consultation with a sleep specialist to secure a diagnosis. This will include taking a comprehensive history, often followed by a physical exam to ensure all symptoms are identified (11). 

You can expect to get asked about details at home, school, and the actual sleep environment. School performance, sleep history, and any known stressors will also be noted. All of these factors, and many more, are paramount in order to gauge what is happening around sleep disturbances. The parents’ sleep will also be considered. 

Depending on the situation, testing may include sleep studies, blood work, or keeping a sleep diary. Each evaluation is customized to identify the underlying cause of sleep disruption.

Common Sleep Disorders in Children

Common Sleep Disorders in Children

There are many types of sleep disorders. Some of the most common in children include:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Insomnia
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Parasomnias (such as night terrors or sleepwalking)
  • Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing

Quality, uninterrupted sleep is especially important during childhood because it supports physical growth, emotional regulation, and brain development.

Is Snoring in Children Ever Normal?

Occasional snoring in children can be harmless, especially during illnesses like colds or allergies.(12). 

Habitual snoring, defined as snoring most nights, is often an early sign of issues such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep (12). In children, OSA and related sleep breathing problems can lead to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels at night, which are associated with behavioral and developmental effects (13, 14, 15). Persistent snoring deserves evaluation by a specialist to rule out underlying causes and protect sleep quality.

Warning Signs That a Child’s Sleep Issues Need Medical Evaluation

Parents should consider medical evaluation if a child shows signs such as:

  • Loud, frequent snoring
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Gasping or choking sounds
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty waking in the morning (16)
  • Behavioral concerns like inattention or impulsivity

Dr. Amal Isaiah, MD, PhD, MBA, Chief of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, advises: “If a child is experiencing behavioral issues, it may be time to consult a pediatrician about a sleep study perhaps even before an evaluation for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” (17) His research found that adolescents who snore frequently were more likely to exhibit behavior problems such as inattention, rule-breaking, and aggression (17). Persistent symptoms, especially when combined, should prompt a consultation with a pediatrician or sleep specialist for proper diagnostic testing, such as a sleep study.

Sleep and Academic Performance

Healthy sleep is critical for memory, attention, and learning. Children with disrupted sleep are more likely to struggle academically, particularly in areas like reading and math. (18). 

In one study, children who snored frequently in early childhood were found to have lower academic performance years later, suggesting that disrupted sleep can have lasting effects on learning outcomes (19). 

Other research highlights that poor sleep habits broadly are associated with lower grades and challenges in key academic areas like reading and math (20). These findings reinforce that sleep quality is not just a nighttime concern. It strongly influences how well children are able to focus, process information, and perform in school.

Why Quality Sleep Is Essential for Growth and Development

Sleep is important in a child’s physical and brain development (21). During deep sleep, the body produces growth hormone, supports immune function, and consolidates learning and memory (22). When sleep is fragmented by disorders such as OSA or chronic snoring, these restorative processes are disrupted. 

In children with sleep-disordered breathing, this may contribute to behavioral issues, emotional regulation difficulties, and delayed developmental milestones. Long-term, inadequate sleep has also been linked to metabolic consequences and increased risk of health challenges (23, 24). Prioritizing good sleep quality early in life supports overall physical growth, emotional stability, and lifelong health. 

Schedule a Pediatric Sleep Consultation

If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep, schedule a consultation at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute.

We offer in-person appointments at our Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert locations, with virtual consultations still available for your convenience and safety. Together, let’s help your child get back to functioning at their best and experiencing a healthy and restorative sleep every night.

References

  1. CDC. (2025, February 13). Sleep and Health. Physical Education and Physical Activity. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-education/staying-healthy/sleep.html
  2. Children’s sleep linked to brain development. (2025, September 18). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childrens-sleep-linked-brain-development
  3. Stanford Health Care. (2017, September). Stanfordhealthcare.org. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sleep/pediatric-sleep-disorders.html
  4. Cohen, Y., Reiter, J., & Gileles‐Hillel, A. (2024). Sleep‐related disorders in children: A narrative review. Pediatric Discovery, 2(2), e76–e76. https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi3.76
  5. Maski, K., & Owens, J. (2018). Pediatric Sleep Disorders. CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, 24(1), 210–227. https://doi.org/10.1212/con.0000000000000566
  6. Chiu, S. (2024, September 26). Pediatric Sleep Disorders: Background, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology. Medscape.com; Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/916611-overview?form=fpf
  7. Gehrman, E. (2022, October 24). A Child’s Need for Sleep. Harvard.edu. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/childs-need-sleep
  8. Interventions Available to Manage Infant/Child Sleep Problems | Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. (2013, March). Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. https://www.child-encyclopedia.com/sleeping-behaviour/according-experts/interventions-available-manage-infantchild-sleep-problems
  9. Sricharan Moturi, & Avis, K. (2010). Assessment and treatment of common pediatric sleep disorders. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 7(6), 24. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2898839/
  10. Supplements & Medication for Sleep Disorders in Children. (2026). Nyulangone.org. https://nyulangone.org/conditions/sleep-disorders-in-children/treatments/supplements-medication-for-sleep-disorders-in-children
  11. Sleep Disorders. (2025). Medlineplus.gov; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/sleepdisorders.html
  12. Tan, Y., How, C., Chan, Y., & Teoh, O. (2020). Approach to the snoring child. Singapore Medical Journal, 170–175. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2020054
  13. Teplitzky, T. B., Zauher, A., & Isaiah, A. (2023). Evaluation and diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea—An update. Frontiers in Sleep, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsle.2023.1127784
  14. Gouthro, K., Kadam, S. J., Abdulghani Sankari, & Slowik, J. M. (2025, December). Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557610/
  15. Gupta, S., & Sharma, R. (2024). Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Diagnostic Challenges and Management Strategies. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.75347
  16. Marcus, C. L., Brooks, L. J., Draper, K. A., Gozal, D., Halbower, A. C., Jones, J., Schechter, M. S., Sheldon, S. H., Spruyt, K., Ward, S. D., Lehmann, C., & Shiffman, R. N. (2012). Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. PEDIATRICS, 130(3), 576–584. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-1671
  17. 2024 Archive – UM School of Medicine Researchers Link Snoring to Behavioral Problems in Adolescents without Declines in Cognition | University of Maryland School of Medicine. (2024). Umaryland.edu. https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/news/2024/um-school-of-medicine-researchers-link-snoring-to-behavioral-problems-in-adolescents-without-declines-in-cognition.html
  18. Galland, B., Spruyt, K., Dawes, P., McDowall, P. S., Elder, D., & Schaughency, E. (2015). Sleep Disordered Breathing and Academic Performance: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 136(4), e934–e946. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1677
  19. Perez-Chada, D., Perez-Lloret, S., Videla, A. J., Cardinali, D., Bergna, M. A., Fernández-Acquier, M., Larrateguy, L., Zabert, G. E., & Drake, C. (2007). Sleep Disordered Breathing And Daytime Sleepiness Are Associated With Poor Academic Performance In Teenagers. A Study Using The Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS). Sleep, 30(12), 1698–1703. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/30.12.1698
  20. Liu, J., Liu, X., Ji, X., Wang, Y., Zhou, G., & Chen, X. (2016). Sleep disordered breathing symptoms and daytime sleepiness are associated with emotional problems and poor school performance in children. Psychiatry Research, 242, 218–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2016.05.017
  21. Children’s sleep linked to brain development. (2025, September 18). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childrens-sleep-linked-brain-development
  22. How sleep boosts your energy – Harvard Health. (2020, August 29). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/how-sleep-boosts-your-energy
  23. Knutson, K. L., Spiegel, K., Plamen Penev, & Cauter, E. V. (2007). The metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(3), 163–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2007.01.002
  24. Ritchie, H. K., & Broussard, J. L. (2022). CrossTalk proposal: Insufficient sleep is responsible for increased risk of metabolic disease in shift workers. The Journal of Physiology, 600(7), 1599–1602. https://doi.org/10.1113/jp282189

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your individual health needs.