Pediatric Sleep Disorders in 2025: How Pediatricians Are Helping Kids Get Better Rest
In today’s fast-paced world, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common among children. Sleep is critical for a child’s overall health, development, and well-being. However, many kids struggle with getting the rest they need due to various conditions, from insomnia and sleep apnea to restless leg syndrome and nightmares.
In 2025, paediatricians, including experts like Dr Shaun Segal, are at the forefront of helping children get better sleep through a combination of early diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and a personalized approach to care. In this blog, we will explore the various pediatric sleep disorders, the role paediatricians play in managing these conditions, and how modern advancements are helping children get the rest they need.
Understanding Pediatric Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders in children can significantly impact their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. Lack of sufficient or restful sleep can contribute to issues such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, poor school performance, and even long-term health problems. Some of the most common sleep disorders among children include:
1. Insomnia
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, is a growing concern for children. Many kids, especially those with anxiety or attention issues, find it hard to wind down at night. Pediatricians, like Dr Shaun Segal, recognize that insomnia can also stem from poor sleep hygiene, such as excessive screen time before bed or irregular sleep schedules.
2. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a child’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. It’s commonly caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can obstruct the airway. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and daytime fatigue. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious complications such as growth problems, poor academic performance, and even heart issues.
3. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Leg Syndrome is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. These symptoms typically worsen at night and can prevent children from falling or staying asleep. Pediatricians are increasingly recognizing RLS as a significant cause of sleep disruption in kids, especially during growth spurts.
4. Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors are common among children, particularly during early childhood. Nightmares involve frightening dreams that awaken the child and may lead to anxiety and difficulty returning to sleep. Night terrors, on the other hand, often involve sudden episodes of screaming or thrashing in their sleep, but the child usually doesn’t remember the incident. Both conditions can disrupt sleep patterns and affect a child’s overall health.
5. Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that causes extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes. Although it’s uncommon, it can significantly impact a child’s ability to participate in daily activities, including school and extracurricular activities. Pediatricians are becoming more adept at recognizing the signs of narcolepsy, allowing for earlier intervention.
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How Pediatricians Are Addressing Sleep Disorders in 2025
Pediatric sleep medicine has advanced dramatically over the years. In 2025, pediatricians, including Dr Shaun Segal, are using a combination of modern diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and evidence-based therapies to help children achieve better sleep. Below are some of the key approaches pediatricians are using to manage pediatric sleep disorders:
1. Early Diagnosis Through Sleep Studies and Assessments
As part of routine checkups, pediatricians are becoming more proactive in screening for sleep disorders. Dr Shaun Segal emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis to ensure children receive timely intervention. Pediatricians use a combination of physical exams, family history evaluations, and questionnaires to assess a child’s sleep patterns and identify potential disorders. For more complex conditions, pediatricians may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography), where the child is monitored overnight to track their sleep stages, breathing, and brain activity.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
For children struggling with insomnia, pediatricians in 2025 are increasingly turning to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This non-pharmacological approach focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with sleep. It includes strategies such as stimulus control, sleep restriction, relaxation techniques, and improving sleep hygiene. CBT-I is especially effective for children who struggle with anxiety-related insomnia or those with a history of irregular sleep schedules.
Dr Shaun Segal highlights the benefit of CBT-I for children with chronic insomnia, as it targets the root causes of the disorder rather than relying on medications, which are often not recommended for long-term use in children.
3. Treatment for Sleep Apnea: Tonsil and Adenoid Removal
In cases of sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, pediatricians may recommend surgical intervention. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are common procedures performed to remove the enlarged tissue and clear the airway. These surgeries can significantly improve symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring, gasping, and disrupted sleep.
For children who do not require surgery, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may be recommended. A CPAP machine helps keep the airway open by providing a constant flow of air through a mask worn during sleep. Pediatricians are now using more comfortable and child-friendly CPAP options, which has led to better adherence to treatment.
4. Addressing Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) with Medication and Lifestyle Changes
For children with Restless Leg Syndrome, pediatricians in 2025 are taking a multi-faceted approach. Lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular physical activity, reducing caffeine intake, and improving sleep hygiene, can help alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, medications that target the nervous system may be prescribed to help reduce the discomfort and improve sleep quality.
Dr Shaun Segal advises parents to work closely with their pediatrician to monitor RLS symptoms and ensure that the child’s treatment plan is tailored to their needs.
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5. Managing Nightmares and Night Terrors with Behavioral Therapy
To manage nightmares and night terrors, paediatricians often recommend behavioural therapy to address any underlying fears or anxieties that may be contributing to these disruptions. Techniques such as imagery rehearsal therapy, where children are encouraged to visualize positive outcomes before sleep, can be effective in reducing the frequency of nightmares.
For night terrors, paediatricians may suggest scheduled awakenings before the child typically experiences an episode, which can help reduce the severity of the terrors. If necessary, medications may be prescribed for more severe cases.
6. Innovations in Technology: Sleep Tracking and Monitoring Devices
In 2025, paediatricians are also turning to sleep tracking devices to monitor children’s sleep patterns more closely. These wearable devices can track variables like heart rate, breathing patterns, and sleep stages, providing paediatricians with real-time data that can help guide treatment decisions. Parents can work with their paediatrician to interpret this data and adjust their child’s sleep habits accordingly.
Conclusion: Ensuring Better Sleep for a Better Tomorrow
Pediatric sleep disorders are more common than ever, but with the help of modern diagnostic tools, effective treatments, and a proactive approach from paediatricians like Dr Shaun Segal, children in 2025 can overcome these challenges and get the restful sleep they need. Whether it’s through early diagnosis, behavioural therapy, surgical intervention, or the use of innovative technologies, the focus on improving children’s sleep is stronger than ever.
As paediatricians continue to refine their approaches and offer personalized care plans, the future looks brighter for children struggling with sleep disorders. Ensuring that children get the proper rest they need not only improves their physical health but also supports their cognitive, emotional, and behavioural development. For parents, seeking the advice of a paediatrician as soon as sleep issues arise is the first step toward ensuring their child’s well-being.
