Understanding the Link Between Childhood Insomnia and Future Mental Health Disorders

Many children have difficulty sleeping now and then. Not getting enough sleep or experiencing childhood insomnia hinders children’s growth and ability to regulate their emotions. In the long run, this increases the risk of developing a mental illness. In turn, mental conditions such as depression and anxiety can cause further sleep disruption. If your child is suffering from childhood insomnia or having trouble falling asleep then this article would be a good read for you.

As we read further, we will learn about the connection between childhood insomnia and mental illness.

According to a 15-year study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, it has been found that children with childhood insomnia that persist into young adulthood are almost three times more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.⁽¹⁾ About 40% of children in the study did not outgrow their trouble falling or remaining asleep.

New research mentions the importance of identifying and addressing childhood insomnia at an early stage. Children whose symptoms of insomnia improved over time were not at greater risk of mental health issues as young adults. Thus, researchers of the study concluded that by intervening early, mental health disorders in children due to insomnia could be prevented.

The same study aligns with previous research showing sleep issues in childhood and mental health problems are intertwined and can make each other worse. The relationship between the two goes in both directions:

• Sleep deprivation can result in symptoms of mental illnesses like negative thinking, impulsivity, and suicidal thoughts. This underscores the importance of good sleep hygiene in children and adolescents.
• Individuals with mental health problems are more likely to have insomnia and several other sleep disorders.
• More than half of psychiatric patients suffer from chronic sleep disturbances.⁽²⁾

Although the underlying mechanisms are complex and still under research, it is found that sleep does various critical things for our bodies and brains. Getting a consistent, healthy amount of sleep every night enhances the functioning of the immune system, boosts memory and learning, regulates stress hormones and other brain chemicals, and contributes to emotional health.

A study published in the Journal Sleep in 2007 examined the sleep durations of children and the results confirmed that children who get less sleep are more likely to encounter behavioral issues in their classrooms. This study included 1, 492 children and they were studied every year from five months of their lives to six years.⁽³⁾

Another study that involved 553 children with a depressive disorder mentioned in the journal “Sleep” in 2007 that sleep problems were associated with depression. The study found that depression is more severe in children with sleep disturbances. These children who have sleep disturbances have more depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. Results of the study showed that 72.7% of the children had a sleep disturbance, 9% of them had hypersomnia, and 53.5% had insomnia, while 10% of them had both these sleep issues.⁽³⁾

Another study which was published in 2006 in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine also found that sleep issues are common in children with mental health issues. This study mentioned that children with ADHD and an anxiety or mood disorder are more likely to report sleep issues. ⁽³⁾

Research shows childhood insomnia is associated with a wider range of mental illnesses including:⁽⁴⁾

Insomnia and other sleep disorders are common symptoms of depression. Sleep problems increase the risk of depression. More recently, research has shown lack of sleep is causing depression. A 2011 meta-analysis implicated that those who experience insomnia are twice as likely to develop depression than those who do not have any difficulty with sleeping.⁽⁵⁾

Sleep disturbances are extremely common among individuals with bipolar disorder. Such sleep problems can include insomnia, nightmares, and irregular sleep-wake cycles.

Sleep deprivation can also lead to symptoms of mania, with research suggesting that changes in the normal sleep pattern or sleep cycle preceded the onset of a manic episode in 25% to 65%% of the study participants.⁽⁶⁾

Sleep problems like insomnia are a risk factor for developing anxiety disorders. According to a study conducted in 2014, it has been mentioned that sleep problems, such as restless sleep and difficulty falling asleep, were linked with an increased risk of the development of common psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders.⁽⁷⁾

Sleep disruptions are closely associated with schizophrenia. This might also be an early sign before the onset of the condition.⁽⁸⁾

Insomnia is the sleep disorder most frequently experienced by individuals with schizophrenia. Studies have reported up to 80% of individuals with schizophrenia also report experiencing insomnia.⁽⁹⁾

Most children with ADHD have difficulty falling asleep or getting sound sleep. ⁽¹⁰⁾ It is also thought that sleep issues might increase the risk of and even contribute to the occurrence of symptoms that may mimic those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies have implicated that sleep interventions can help improve the severity of symptoms in children with ADHD and can impact their overall quality of life.⁽¹¹⁾

Treating sleep problems or insomnia in children can help alleviate mental illnesses. Some of the best approaches that can help both insomnia and mental health could include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and limiting caffeine and sugar at night.
• Meditation or other relaxation practices
• Therapy and medication (if required)
• Healthy sleep habits like keeping a consistent schedule and maintaining a bedtime relaxation routine.

If your child shows signs of insomnia or any other sleep disorder, make sure to consult your child’s pediatrician or a psychiatrist. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with medications can help deal with sleep issues and mental health problems.

Childhood insomnia is a serious sleep disorder that is associated with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and so on. Thus, insomnia experienced by children should be immediately treated to prevent it from developing into mental disorders. Experiencing childhood insomnia or any other sleep disorder can be quite challenging for children and can impact their ability to function in daily life. If your child is experiencing sleep disorders like insomnia, talk to your child’s doctor or a sleep specialist and get them treated at an early stage.

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