Is Your Child Suffering from Sleep Disorders? (Part 2)

Quick Answer

True sleep disorders in children are RARE - most sleep problems are behavioral! If your bachcha raat ko jagta hai or has trouble falling asleep, it’s usually NOT a disorder. However, conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and sleepwalking do exist and are very treatable. This guide helps you distinguish between normal sleep issues and actual disorders.

Understanding Sleep Disorders (Neend Ki Samasyaein)

Important distinction:

Normal Sleep Issues	Actual Sleep Disorders
Night waking for feeding/comfort	Breathing pauses during sleep
Difficulty falling asleep	Loud snoring every night
Bedtime resistance	Involuntary leg movements
Sleep associations (needs to be held)	Sleepwalking regularly
Occasional nightmares	Night terrors every night

Most children have sleep ISSUES, not DISORDERS!

Common Sleep Disorders Explained

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - Sans Rukna

What it is: Breathing repeatedly stops during sleep due to blocked airway.

Signs:

• Loud snoring (kharrate) every night
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping
• Gasping, choking, or snorting sounds
• Sleeping with mouth open
• Restless sleep, strange positions
• Daytime tiredness despite enough sleep
• Bed-wetting (in previously dry children) Common cause: Enlarged tonsils/adenoids (very common in Indian children)

Treatment: Often adenoid/tonsil removal - highly effective!

2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) - Pair Mein Bechaini

What it is: Uncomfortable leg sensations causing urge to move.

Signs:

• Child describes legs as “crawly,” “itchy inside,” “need to move”
• Worse in evening/bedtime
• Kicks during sleep
• Can’t sit still
• Often mistaken for hyperactivity Treatment: Check iron levels, lifestyle changes, sometimes medication

3. Sleepwalking (Neend Mein Chalna)

What it is: Walking or doing activities while asleep.

Signs:

• Gets out of bed, walks around
• Eyes open but glazed
• Doesn’t respond to you
• No memory next morning
• Usually 1-2 hours after falling asleep Age: Most common 4-8 years, usually outgrown by teens

4. Night Terrors vs Nightmares

Feature	Night Terrors	Nightmares
When	1-2 hours after sleeping	Later in night
Behavior	Screaming, inconsolable	Wakes up scared
Memory	Doesn’t remember	Remembers dream
Eyes	Open but not seeing	Alert
Your response	Wait it out, keep safe	Comfort and reassure

5. Sleep Talking (Neend Mein Baatein)

Usually harmless! Common in children, no treatment needed unless associated with other problems.

When to Worry (Red Flags)

See doctor urgently if:

• Breathing stops during sleep (witnessed)

• Blue or pale color while sleeping

• Severe daytime sleepiness affecting function

• Sleepwalking putting child in danger Schedule appointment if:

• Loud snoring most nights

• Child always tired despite adequate sleep hours

• Difficulty falling asleep EVERY night

• Restless legs preventing sleep

• Frequent (multiple times/week) night terrors

• Sleepwalking continues past age 8-10 NOT concerning:

• Occasional night waking

• Needing help to fall asleep

• Occasional nightmares

• Sleep talking

• Different schedule than other kids

What You Can Do (Ghar Pe Kya Karein)

For All Sleep Issues

Bedtime Routine (Sone Ki Aadat):

• Same time every night

• Calming activities before bed

• No screens 1 hour before sleep

• Cool, dark, quiet room Sleep Hygiene:

• Consistent wake time

• Appropriate naps for age

• Exercise during day

• No caffeine (including chocolate) in evening

For Specific Disorders

For suspected sleep apnea:

• Note snoring patterns

• Record video if possible

• See ENT specialist

• May need sleep study For sleepwalking:

• Make environment safe (gates, locks)

• Don’t try to wake child

• Guide back to bed gently

• Ensure enough total sleep For night terrors:

• Stay calm

• Don’t try to wake child

• Keep safe until episode ends

• Address overtiredness (common trigger) For restless legs:

• Regular exercise during day

• Warm bath before bed

• Leg massage

• Check iron levels with doctor

Treatment Options

Disorder	Treatment
Sleep Apnea	Adenoid/tonsil surgery (often), CPAP (sometimes)
Restless Legs	Iron if deficient, lifestyle changes, medication if severe
Sleepwalking	Usually outgrown; safety measures; scheduled awakening
Night Terrors	Usually outgrown; address triggers
Nightmares	Reassurance; address anxiety if frequent

Note: Most sleep problems don’t need medication!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Bachcha raat ko bahut kharrate leta hai. Kya normal hai?

A: Occasional light snoring can be normal, but LOUD snoring every night is NOT normal in children! It often indicates enlarged tonsils/adenoids or sleep apnea. Watch for: breathing pauses, gasping, mouth breathing, daytime tiredness. If these are present, see an ENT specialist - many children benefit greatly from adenoid/tonsil surgery.

Q: Bachcha raat ko chillata hai, pair maarta hai, yaad nahi rehta. Kya hai yeh?

A: This sounds like night terrors - different from nightmares. During night terrors, children scream and thrash but are NOT awake and won’t remember it. Don’t try to wake them - stay nearby for safety. Most children outgrow them by age 12. If happening every night or causing injury, consult a pediatrician.

Q: 6 saal ka bachcha neend mein chalta hai. Khatarnak hai?

A: Sleepwalking is common in ages 4-8 and usually harmless if environment is safe. Focus on safety: gates on stairs, lock doors, remove hazards. Don’t wake the child - gently guide back to bed. Most children outgrow it. If frequent or dangerous activities involved, consult a sleep specialist.

Q: Sone nahi deta - bahut rota hai raat ko. Sleep disorder hai kya?

A: Probably NOT a sleep disorder! Most night crying is due to: sleep associations (needs help to sleep), hunger, discomfort, developmental phases, or schedule issues. Try: consistent bedtime routine, putting down drowsy but awake, and addressing any physical causes. True sleep disorders have specific signs like snoring, breathing issues, or involuntary movements.

Q: Neend ki dawai deni chahiye bachche ko?

A: Sleep medications are rarely needed for children. Most sleep issues resolve with: consistent routine, good sleep hygiene, addressing underlying causes. If doctor recommends melatonin, use only under guidance. NEVER give adult sleep medications to children. Focus on finding root cause rather than medication.

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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025

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