Sleep is essential for children, and it’s normal for them to be sleepy during the day, especially after physically or mentally exhausting activities.

However, excessive daytime sleepiness in children can be a cause for concern when it affects their mood, behavior, academic performance, or health. In this article, we will explore the potential causes of sleepiness in children, signs of sleep disorders, and when to consult a healthcare professional.

What is excessive daytime sleepiness?

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the feeling of constant fatigue and a strong urge to sleep during the day, despite having enough sleep at night. EDS is prevalent in children, particularly those aged between 12 and 18 years.

In some cases, EDS can be a symptom of a medical condition, including sleep disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and anemia.

What are the potential causes of sleepiness in children?

Inadequate sleep

Children need enough sleep to function correctly, and a lack of sleep can result in day-time sleepiness.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that preschoolers (3-5 years) need 10-13 hours of sleep, children aged between 6 and 13 years need 9-11 hours, and teenagers need 8-10 hours. However, several factors can lead to inadequate sleep, including:.

Intense physical activity or exercise before bedtime.
Use of electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and computers) before bedtime, which can hinder sleep onset.
Caffeine consumption before bedtime, which is found in some soft drinks, chocolate, and tea.
An irregular sleep schedule or bedtime routine that can disrupt a child’s sleep cycle.
An uncomfortable sleep environment, such as a noisy or overly bright environment.

Sleep disorders

Several sleep disorders can cause EDS in children, including:.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): A condition in which the upper airway becomes partially or entirely blocked during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing and frequent waking up during the night. OSA is more common in overweight or obese children.
Narcolepsy: A rare neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to EDS and sudden sleep attacks during the day.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS): A movement disorder that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, leading to sleep disruption and EDS.
Circadian rhythm disorders: A condition in which the body’s natural clock is out of sync with the usual day-night schedule, leading to difficulty falling asleep and waking up.

Medical conditions

Several medical conditions can cause fatigue and EDS in children, including:.

Anemia: A condition in which there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s organs.
Depression and anxiety.
ADHD: A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to EDS.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can lead to feeling tired and can disrupt sleep schedules.

What are the signs of sleep disorders in children?

While EDS can be caused by several factors, it can also be a symptom of a sleep disorder or an underlying medical condition. If your child displays the following signs, you may want to consider speaking to a doctor:.

Struggling to wake up in the morning and sleep inertia, meaning that they feel sleepy for a prolonged period after waking up.
Frequent waking up during the night, snoring, or experiencing pauses in breathing (sleep apnea).
Enuresis (bedwetting) that was previously resolved.
Difficulty falling asleep at night.
Restless leg syndrome with a sensation of discomfort in the legs that comes on when your child is trying to relax or asleep.
Hallucinating or experiencing nightmares or night terrors.
Daytime sleepiness, irritability, anxiety and deteriorating school performance.

When should I consult a healthcare professional?

Speak to a doctor if your child displays any awakening symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or if you notice any of the signs mentioned before that might suggest an underlying sleep disorder.

You can also consider contacting a sleep specialist for further evaluation, particularly if your child has any of the signs of sleep disorders, or if the tiredness and EDS persist despite improving their sleep patterns.

What can I do to help my child sleep better?

The following strategies can assist your child in getting a good night’s sleep:.

Ensure that they get enough sleep every night according to their age and make it a priority.
A consistent sleep schedule that has regular wake up and go-to-bed times.
Limited use of electronics before bed.
Encourage relaxation before bedtime, such as reading or listening to soft music.
Provide comfortable sleeping arrangements in a cool, dark, quiet environment.
Offer healthy meals and ensure that they stay hydrated during the day.

The Bottom Line

Excessive daytime sleepiness can be a cause for concern, particularly when it affects your child’s quality of life.

While it can be challenging to determine the underlying cause of sleep issues and EDS in children, it’s necessary to pay attention to the signs, speak to your child about how they are feeling, and observe any red flags. With the right knowledge, awareness, prioritization of sleep, and help from healthcare professionals, your child can maintain a healthy sleep schedule and function optimally during the day.