It’s normal to feel concerned if your child’s sleep becomes unsettled or changes suddenly. Most sleep disruptions are short-term and improve on their own. Sometimes they can last longer and affect your child’s mood, energy, or daily routine. 

You know your child best, and your instincts matter. If gentle changes at home don’t seem to help, or if you’re worried about how sleep is affecting them, talk to your child and family health nurse or doctor. They can offer support, rule out any underlying issues, and guide you toward the right next steps. 

Short-term sleep challenges are common and usually last only a few nights. They often improve on their own once things settle down. Your child might struggle to sleep because of: 

• changes to their bedtime routine
• starting a new medication
• sleeping somewhere different, like a family members house or on holiday
• stress, excitement, or big changes in their day
• daylight savings shifting their usual schedule 

If sleep challenges continue for longer, they can start to affect how your child feels, thinks, and behaves. Some signs to look out for include: 

• trouble focusing or paying attention
• poor memory or forgetting things
• big emotions, like feeling angry or upset more often
• changes in behaviour at home or school 

Behavioural sleep problems are the most common sleep issue in young children. They’re often linked to bedtime habits and routines, and they’re not always a sign that something is wrong. 

These might look like your child: 

• taking a long time to fall asleep
• waking up often during the night
• calling out for you after bedtime
• getting out of bed repeatedly
• refusing to sleep in their own bedThe good news is that gentle changes to your child’s routine can make a big difference. A regular bedtime routine and consistent sleep schedule often help children settle more easily and sleep for longer. 

See Creating a healthy sleep environment for strategies to support your child with sleep patterns.  

Sleep disorders affect how well, how much, or how often your child sleeps. They can have a bigger impact on your child’s health, behaviour, and development than short-term sleep problems. 

Some common sleep disorders include: 

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – breathing stops and starts during sleep because the airway is blocked
• Insomnia – ongoing trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Narcolepsy – feeling very tired during the day and having sudden urges to sleep
• Restless leg syndrome – feeling the need to move because of uncomfortable sensations, which disrupt sleep
• Night terrors – waking suddenly in distress without remembering a dream
• Sleepwalking – walking or doing other activities while still asleep. If you’re worried your child might have a sleep disorder, speak with your doctor or child and family health nurse.