Trouble sleeping/nightmares
Sleep is so vital to our wellbeing that if something starts to go wrong and continues to go wrong, it can cause lots of social problems, poor school marks and physical illnesses. Occasional issues for our children with sleep are expected, but if these issues continue and become persistent (affect your child’s ability to sleep or settle over a long period), you may need support.
Signs of behavioural sleep problems:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Calling out and getting out of bed
- Problems with sleeping through the night
- Difficulty staying awake during the day
- Unexplained decrease in daytime performance
- Unusual events during sleep such as sleepwalking or nightmares. The most common triggers are emotional (such as stress or anxiety). Other things that can trigger them include certain medicines and sleep deprivation.
Persistent sleep problems can affect your child and your whole family, so it’s important to seek help. Persistent sleep problems usually need professional treatment. The first step is talking with your doctor about getting an assessment of your child’s sleep. You might be referred to a paediatrician, psychologist or other health professional who’s experienced in identifying and treating persistent sleep problems in children.
Contact AIM Therapy on 6150 8339 or reception@aimtherapy.com.au if you would like to book an appointment with one of our psychologists to explore further.
Additional resources:
https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/sleep/sleep-problems/persistent-sleep-problems
http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/childrens-sleep-disorders.pdf