Childhood insomnia is a persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping in a way that feels restorative — and unlike the occasional bad night, it can affect a child’s mood, behaviour, learning and daily life. The most effective treatment is behavioural (CBT-I adapted for children): it is evidence-based, drug-free, and usually short. Our online clinic supports families across the UK.
What is childhood insomnia?
Insomnia in children and teenagers describes an ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting sleep that genuinely refreshes. It is important to distinguish the temporary sleep difficulties that are a natural part of growing up from chronic insomnia, which can have a real impact on a child’s wellbeing, mood, behaviour and day-to-day functioning at home and at school.
What causes insomnia in children and teenagers?
Many factors can contribute to childhood and teenage insomnia, including:
- Stress and anxiety — schoolwork, family changes, social difficulties or emotional worries.
- Screen use — prolonged screen time before bed, partly because of the blue light.
- An irregular sleep routine — no consistent bedtime and waking time, and no clear wind-down.
- Medical conditions — such as allergies, asthma or breathing problems during sleep.
- Medication — some medicines can affect sleep quality.
- Environmental factors — noise, light, temperature or an uncomfortable sleep setting.
What are the symptoms of childhood insomnia?
Symptoms vary from child to child, but commonly include:
- Difficulty falling asleep — a long time spent tossing and turning.
- Frequent night-time waking — difficulty getting back to sleep after waking.
- Daytime tiredness and sleepiness — affecting concentration, learning and functioning.
- Changes in mood — irritability, over-sensitivity, tension or anxiety.
How can you help a child with insomnia?
- Limit screen time — avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
- A suitable sleep environment — a quiet, dark, well-ventilated room and a comfortable bed.
- Encourage physical activity — but not vigorous activity close to bedtime.
- Address stress and anxiety — through gentle conversation, reassurance and relaxation exercises.
- Seek a professional assessment — when insomnia persists, affects quality of life or involves significant anxiety, it is well worth seeking professional assessment and treatment.
How is childhood insomnia treated?
The first-line treatment is behavioural — cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) adapted to the child’s age, the nature of the difficulty and the family. It is evidence-based, safe and drug-free, and the NHS recommends behavioural approaches ahead of medication for most children. Treatment identifies the patterns that keep insomnia going, helps the child build their own ability to settle and self-soothe, and supports parents with consistent, calm responses. Accurate assessment allows for focused, effective and shorter treatment.
Your child’s path to better sleep
Insomnia in children and teenagers is a real challenge, but with understanding, patience and the right guidance, significant improvement is very much possible. Identifying the causes early, addressing the symptoms and applying healthy sleep principles allow children and teenagers to return to continuous, calm and restorative sleep — and to feel better in their daily lives.
This online clinic is led by Dr Jonathan Kushnir, a clinical psychologist (HCPC PYL042430) whose doctorate examined sleep disorders and night-time fears in children, with more than 25 academic publications and 17 books in this field.