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Poor sleep habits are often the cause of a child’s sleep problems. Children who nap excessively during daytime hours, go to bed too early or spend too much time awake in bed may experience sleep problems. Erratic sleep schedules can also hamper a child’s efforts to maintain regular patterns of sleep.

In other cases, emotional difficulties are at the root of a child’s sleep issues. Some psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety disorders and depression can result in insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness). Some children may feel anxious about going to bed or falling asleep, or they may have normal feelings of separation anxiety. Resisting bedtime may also be a sign of autonomy, as toddlers and children test their boundaries. Bedtime often becomes a test of wills between parents and their children.

Other causes of sleep disorders in children may include:

• Food and drink. Foods and beverages that contain caffeine, such as soft drinks and chocolate, can cause difficulties in falling asleep.
  
  
• Medications. Many medications can interfere with sleep. For instance, insomnia is a common side effect of psychostimulant drugs (e.g., methylphenidate) used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  
  
• Medical conditions. Many medical conditions, such as asthma, can interfere with sleep. Research also shows that sleep disorders are common in children with excess body weight.
  
  
• Life stresses. Family turmoil or the death of a parent or other loved one can disrupt sleep patterns. Lesser day-to-day stresses (e.g., moving or school changes) can also trigger nightmares, night terrors and other sleep disorders.
  
  
• Lifestyle habits. Certain activities, such as watching television or spending excessive time on the computer at night before going to bed, may keep a child from getting the necessary sleep.
  
  
• Sometimes no cause for a disturbance or disorder can be found.