Childhood insomnia - What causes insomnia in kids and teenagers? |
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Symptoms of insomnia in children is not easy to find due to the diverse nature of sleep patterns among kids. In general insomnia is defined as difficulty in falling asleep and inability to stay awake. Sometimes children may display symptoms such as hyperactivity when they're sleep deprived. But otherwise, one should take the same clues as the way we identify insomnia among the adults. Causes of insomnia in kids & teenagers:Side effect of medicationIt is possible that some drugs such as the ones used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, antidepressants, corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants can cause insomnia.Environmental factorsNoise, heat, cold and light conditions in the bedroom can interfere with sleep.Insomnia due to stressJust like adults, children can suffer from stress. Children worry more than one might think and excess worry and stress can lead to insomnia.Presence of arguments in school, fighting between siblings, marital or financial problems at home, death in the family, recent job change of parents - any of these can potentially cause an insomnia. Medical & psychiatric conditionsUncontrolled nighttime asthma, a stuffy nose from allergies or itchy skin from eczema can get in the way of good sleep.Other medical disorders, including fibromyalgia, muscle cramps, growing pains, heartburn, and thyroid disease can all cause insomnia. Use of stimulants like cafineEven some sodas, energy drinks contain cafine which could lead to insomnia |
