Sleep Difficulties
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
Why does sleep matter so much?
Good sleep is one of the most important foundations for children's physical health, emotional wellbeing, learning, and behaviour. When sleep is consistently disrupted (whether it's difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough sleep altogether) the effects can ripple through every part of a child's life.
Sleep difficulties are very common in children and teens, and they're particularly prevalent in neurodivergent young people, including Autistic children and those with ADHD or anxiety. The good news is that there are effective, evidence-informed approaches that can make a real difference — and psychology is one of the most powerful tools available.
What might sleep difficulties look like?
- Difficulty falling asleep, taking a long time to settle, or needing a parent present
- Frequent night wakings or difficulty returning to sleep independently
- Nightmares, night terrors, or significant fear around sleep and bedtime
- Resisting bedtime, significant conflict or distress around the sleep routine
- Very early waking
- Daytime fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety or worry at bedtime about health, safety, or the next day
- For teens: delayed sleep phase — naturally staying up very late and struggling to wake in the morning
What causes sleep difficulties in children?
Common contributors include:
- Anxiety: worry and rumination at bedtime are extremely common in children with sleep difficulties
- Sensory differences: finding it hard to settle due to sensory sensitivities around bedding, sounds, light, or temperature
- ADHD: difficulties with 'switching off', combined with irregular sleep-wake rhythms
- Autism: including heightened sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and differences in melatonin production
- Learned associations: for example, needing a parent present to fall asleep
- Screen use: particularly in the hour before bed
- Irregular routines or environmental factors
How can psychology help?
- Understanding the specific factors contributing to your child's sleep difficulties
- Developing a personalised sleep plan based on your child's age, temperament, and family context
- Cognitive and behavioural strategies to reduce anxiety and unhelpful sleep associations
- Gradual approaches to building independent sleep skills — at a pace that works for your family
- Sensory and environmental strategies, particularly for neurodivergent children
- Parent guidance and support, because sleep difficulties affect the whole family
While shifts in sleep timing are a normal part of adolescence, ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling unrefreshed can significantly affect a teenager's mood, learning, and wellbeing. Sleep difficulties in older children and teens are worth taking seriously, and with the right support, they can absolutely be addressed.
Approaches that work well for typical toddlers may not be appropriate for children with anxiety, sensory differences, or neurodivergent profiles. A psychologist can help you find an approach that is both effective and suited to your child's specific needs.
"They'll grow out of it."
FACT
FACT
Myth
"Just let them cry it out."
Myth
Removing access without addressing the underlying reasons often increases distress and conflict without creating lasting change. Understanding what gaming provides for your child — and supporting them to meet those needs in other ways — tends to produce much better outcomes.
FACT
"Sleep problems are a little kid thing, teenagers just like staying up late."
Myth
Myths and facts about sleep difficulties
Sleep needs vary by age: toddlers typically need 11–14 hours, school-aged children 9–11 hours, and teens 8–10 hours. Most children and teens are getting less than this, particularly when screens are involved. A psychologist can help you assess whether sleep quantity and quality are adequate for your child.
How much sleep does my child need?
Melatonin is commonly used to support sleep in children, particularly those who are Autistic or have ADHD, and research supports its safety for short-term use. This is a decision best made in consultation with your GP or paediatrician, who can advise based on your child's specific situation.
Should I see a GP or a psychologist for sleep difficulties?
Is melatonin safe for children?
Both can be helpful. A GP can rule out any medical contributors and discuss options like melatonin for neurodivergent children. A psychologist addresses the behavioural, emotional, and sensory factors that are often at the heart of persistent sleep difficulties. For most children, the psychological approach produces lasting results.
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