Sleeping difficulties in young people

As we know, sleep plays an important part in a child’s physical and emotional development, however when a child experiences difficulty sleeping, it can have an impact on their learning and ability to concentrate in the classroom.

Sleeping difficulties in children are common, and there can be many reasons why a child or young person has difficulty sleeping. It’s common for young children to experience fear of the dark or being left alone at night. Teenagers might find it hard to sleep if they are drinking too much caffeine or energy drinks, using drugs or feeling anxious. Sometimes not sleeping well can be an indication of depression.

It’s helpful to have a discussion with the child’s parent/carer to rule out any underlying causes for the sleep difficulties which may require referral to other services.