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December 4, 2024

Why Your School-Aged Child Struggles with Sleep & How to Fix It

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

 

Why is my 8-year-old struggling to fall asleep

Does your child struggle to fall asleep and your whole evening is taken up with bedtime? Do they wake frequently during the night, or wake up far too early? You’re not alone.

Sleep issues in school-aged children (ages 5–12) are more common than many parents realise—and they can significantly impact a child’s mood, learning, and overall health.

The good news? With the right support, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits and get the rest they need to thrive.

In this post, we’ll explore why school-aged children often struggle with sleep and how a professional sleep consultation can offer practical solutions.


Common Sleep Issues in School-Aged Children

Many children face sleep challenges that affect their ability to function during the day. Here are some of the most common problems:

  • Difficulty Falling Asleep

Bedtime battles can be triggered by anxiety, school-related worries, or simply an inability to wind down after a busy day. (Learn more about anxiety and sleep issues)

  • Night Waking

Waking frequently during the night can be caused by nightmares, bedwetting, or environmental factors such as noise or changes in temperature.

  • Early Waking

Does your child wake up at 5 a.m. ready to start the day? Early waking often leads to insufficient sleep, which affects their mood and energy levels.

  • Daytime Fatigue and Lack of Focus

Children who don’t get enough sleep often struggle to concentrate in school, leading to lower academic performance and emotional outbursts.


How Poor Sleep Affects Your Child

Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for school-aged children, including:

  • Academic Challenges: Poor sleep reduces memory retention, focus, and problem-solving abilities, making it harder to keep up in school.
  • Behavioural Issues: Sleep-deprived children are more likely to experience irritability, hyperactivity, or emotional meltdowns.
  • Physical Health: Insufficient sleep can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of obesity and other health problems.

Learn more about the connection between sleep and school performance on our [Sleep and Learning] page.


How a Sleep Consultation Can Help Your Family

At Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic, we fully understand how frustrating sleep problems can be—for both you and your child. That’s why we offer personalised sleep consultations designed to meet the unique needs of each family.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Tailored Sleep Plans:

    We assess your child’s sleep challenges and create a bespoke plan to improve their sleep routine.

  • Expert Guidance:

    With over 30 years of experience in children’s sleep consulting, we offer practical, evidence-based solutions that work. Learn more about us.

  • Ongoing Support:

We provide unlimited follow-up email support and consultations to ensure your child’s progress continues and that any setbacks are addressed quickly.


Why Parents in the UK Trust Millpond

We’ve helped thousands of families across the UK overcome sleep difficulties. Here’s what one parent had to say:

“We were at our wit’s end with our 7-year-old daughter’s constant getting up at bedtime and taking hours to fall asleep. It was extremely stressful for us and her and we all dreaded bedtime. Millpond’s personalised approach changed everything. Our daughter now goes to bed happily, falls asleep easily by herself,  and we finally have our evenings back!” – Katie-Suffolk


Ready to Help Your Child Sleep Better?

If your child is struggling with sleep, don’t wait for the problem to resolve itself. A professional sleep consultation can make all the difference.

Book your consultation with Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic today and take the first step towards better sleep and brighter days.

[Book Now]

 

For more on children’s sleep problems and recommendations, visit the NHS’s guide to sleep for children

Filed Under: Anxiety Sleep Problems In Children: Causes, Early Rising, Getting sleep on track ready for school, How much sleep does my child need?, How to help my child sleep well, How to sleep well, Uncategorized Tagged With: Child sleep advice, Child sleep consultant reviews, Children’s sleep and academic performance, Children’s sleep problems, Expert sleep advice for children, Fatigue and poor sleep in children, Help my child sleep better, Night waking in children, Sleep routine for kids, Toddler and school-aged sleep issues

April 16, 2024

How Developmental Stages Affect Baby and Child Sleep

Human sleep undergoes continuous change from the pre-born baby through to adulthood, with the most rapid changes occurring in the first 6 months of life. 

As your baby and child grow, their sleep patterns evolve rapidly, especially during their first year. Just when you think you’ve got their sleep figured out, new developmental milestones can come into play, sometimes causing what’s commonly referred to as s ‘sleep regression’.

In this blog, we’ll explore how these developmental stages—from early motor skills to language development and more—can have an impact on your baby and child’s sleep. Understanding these changes can help you better navigate and adapt to your child’s evolving sleep needs, ensuring both you and your little one get the rest you need.

 

help baby's sleep

Your Babies Sleep: Age 6 to 12 months

  • Nighttime Sleep:

By now, your baby will have the majority of their sleep at night, although it is still common for them to wake occasionally. Non-REM sleep dominates early in the night, promoting deep restorative sleep. By the middle of the night, REM sleep becomes more prominent, which is important for cognitive development and memory consolidation. REM sleep accounts for about 30% of the total sleep time at this age.

The average amount of nighttime sleep for most babies at this age is 10 to 11 hours with or without waking for feeds. This extended nighttime sleep is supported by the gradual reduction of daytime sleep and the development of longer periods of wakefulness during the day.

  • Sleep Cycles:

Your baby’s sleep cycle at this stage is roughly 90 minutes long at night. This cycle includes both deep non-REM sleep, which helps with physical restoration, and lighter REM sleep, which supports brain development and dreaming. As they transition through these cycles, your baby may stir or wake briefly.

  • Naps:

Around 6 months of age, your baby will typically take three distinct naps throughout the day. These naps help them manage their increasing wakefulness during the day. By 9 months, your baby’s capacity to stay awake between naps improves significantly. As a result, they often drop their late afternoon nap, consolidating their daytime sleep into two main naps.

  • Separation Anxiety:

Around the age of 7 months, many babies begin to experience separation anxiety, which can lead to noticeable sleep disruptions. This developmental phase is marked by your baby’s growing awareness of their attachment to you and an increased sensitivity to your absence.

During this time, your baby may become distressed when you leave the room or when it’s time for bed. They might cry, reach out, or resist being put down in their crib, reflecting their newfound understanding that you might not be immediately available. This separation anxiety is a sign of a secure attachment, indicating that your baby has formed a strong bond with you and is developing emotional depth.

  • Physical Development:

As your baby develops new motor skills such as sitting, crawling, and cruising, you may notice disruptions in their sleep patterns. This phase of physical growth is marked by increased exploration and practice of these newly acquired skills, which can extend into their sleep environment.

When your baby is learning to sit up or crawl, they might practice these movements even while in their cot, leading to frequent awakenings or restlessness during the night. 

  • Language Development:

As your baby begins to speak their first words, you might notice an increase in sleep disturbances. This period of language development is marked by a busy, active mind that’s processing and trying out new skills.

Your baby’s growing ability to recognise and use words can lead to heightened mental activity, even during sleep. They might wake up more frequently as their brain processes new vocabulary, phrases, and concepts learned throughout the day. Additionally, they may experiment with sounds or practice speaking just as you’re trying to calm them ready for sleep.

  • Teething:

Teething can be a challenging period for both you and your baby, often leading to discomfort that can disrupt their sleep. As new teeth push through the gums, your baby may experience soreness and overall discomfort, which can result in more frequent night awakenings. 

During this potentially long and difficult time, it’s best to respond to your baby’s needs. You can help soothe their discomfort by offering teething toys that are chilled or gently massaging their gums with a clean finger. Additionally, using a mild pain reliever, as recommended by your paediatrician, can provide relief. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and offering extra comfort during night wakings can also help your baby feel more secure and ease their teething troubles.

 

help toddlers sleep

Your Toddler’s Sleep: Age 1 to 2 Years 

Between 12 and 15 months, most toddlers transition to a single daytime nap, typically taken after lunch. To help prevent overtiredness and make bedtime smoother, consider moving bedtime earlier.

At this stage, your toddler might develop minor fears, such as of animals or loud noises, which can disrupt bedtime. They may also form a strong attachment to one parent, experience tantrums when frustrated, and show increased separation anxiety, especially around 18 months.

As your toddler’s understanding of simple commands and language grows, they may begin walking and climbing, fostering newfound independence that can lead to bedtime challenges.

They will enjoy listening to stories and might start testing boundaries for more.

help my child sleep

Your Child’s Sleep: Ages 2 to 5 Years

During this stage, your child may start experiencing nightmares and developing fears, such as a fear of the dark. They might ask for a nightlight or request that the door be left open at bedtime. Their anxiety about being alone in a room can make settling down more challenging.

The transition from a cot to a bed can introduce a sense of freedom for your child, which may lead to resistance at bedtime or an increase in night wakings.

By age 3, your child’s sleep will typically consolidate into a single nighttime sleep as daytime naps reduce and often stop by this age.

Many children also begin to stay dry at night and may move out of nappies. This new awareness of their need to use the toilet can occasionally disrupt their sleep.

Increased independence at this age might result in resistance to bedtime routines, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, or going to bed.

Additionally, starting nursery or school introduces significant changes that can unsettle your child and affect their sleep.

From age 3, children can usually wait for short periods at bedtime and start to understand the concept of rewards, which can be used to encourage positive behaviour changes.

By age 5, children are typically able to articulate their fears, worries, and frustrations more effectively.

Filed Under: All, Baby not sleeping, Climbing out of the cot, Day Time Naps, How Can I Get My Baby To Sleep Better, How much sleep does my child need?, How to help my child sleep well Tagged With: baby sleep, Baby Sleep Advice, baby sleep patterns, baby sleep well, child sleep, Child Sleep Development, Child Sleep Solutions, child sleep well, Developmental Milestones and Sleep, Early Childhood Sleep Tips, help child sleep well, how much sleep does my child need, Infant Sleep Stages, Managing Sleep Issues in Children, napping problems, napping schedules, naps, sleep advice, Sleep Regression in Babie, toddler sleep, Toddler Sleep Changes, toddler sleep well

February 1, 2023

How much sleep does my child need

Our Siblings’ Sleep Package

Understanding the average amount of sleep your child needs for their age is crucial for promoting their overall health and well-being. By knowing the recommended sleep duration, you can establish a bedtime routine that ensures your child gets the rest they require to thrive.

Determining Ideal Bedtimes

1. Know Your Child’s Average Sleep Needs

Familiarize yourself with the average recommended sleep duration for different age groups.

2. Set Bedtime Based on Age

Use the average sleep requirement for your child’s age as a guide for determining their bedtime.

3. Consider Individual Variations

Keep in mind that individual sleep needs do vary, so observe how your child functions on their current sleep schedule.

Adapting Bedtimes as Your Child Grows

– Gradual Decline in Sleep Needs

  • Understand that as children grow older, their sleep needs gradually decrease.

– Teenage Sleep Patterns

  • Note that the average teenager requires around nine hours of sleep per night.

– Monitor and Adjust

  • Continuously assess your child’s sleep patterns and adjust bedtime accordingly to ensure they are getting adequate rest.

Here is an average sleep guide for preschool children through to adults

  • In the preschool age group, 3-5 years, it is recommended that children have an average of  10 to 13 hours of sleep a night
  • For school-aged children, 6-13 years, the recommendation is for them to sleep for 9 to 11 hours  a night
  • Teenagers should aim for 8 to 10 hours every night- not just catch up at weekends
  • Young adults from 18 years right through to old age should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night
These figures are from the National Sleep Foundation

 

 

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