A new baby step, a new letter expressed, and every new act of a toddler is an amusement for a parent. And even when the baby has a sleepless night, the moment the child rests to sleep, they keep staring at this bundle of joy. A common notion every parent has at this stage is that the irregular sleep pattern of the toddler will naturally resolve. However, a study conducted by NTNU’s Department of Psychology, involving a substantial sample of toddlers, has uncovered compelling evidence challenging this assumption. The study delves into the significant and potentially long-term repercussions of sleep disorders in toddlers, drawing connections between these disturbances and the emergence of mental health issues by the age of six.
A comprehensive survey of nearly 1,000 toddlers revealed that around 20-40% of young children face sleep challenges, but there is limited data on diagnosable sleep disorders among them. Insomnia emerged as the most prevalent disorder, affecting around 16.6% of four-year-olds surveyed, with a significant portion still affected at six years old.
“It is common for children to have periods when they sleep poorly, but for some children, the problems are so extensive that they constitute a sleep disorder. Our research shows that it is important to identify children with sleep disorders so that remedial measures can be taken. Sleeping badly or too little affects a child’s day-to-day functioning, but we are seeing that there are also long-term repercussions,” says Silje Steinsbekk, an Associate Professor and Psychologist in NTNU’s Department of Psychology.
The findings suggest a link between insomnia in toddlers and symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioural problems at six years old. Likewise, symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioural issues at age four increased the risk of developing insomnia by age six.
The research advises:
- Identifying sleep disturbances in toddlers is crucial. These issues might not naturally resolve and can have lasting effects on mental health.
- Recognizing the reciprocal nature between sleep issues and psychiatric symptoms can aid in early intervention and targeted treatments.
“Given that so many children suffer from insomnia, and only just over half ‘outgrow it,’ we must be able to provide thorough identification and good treatment. Perhaps early treatment of mental health problems can also prevent the development of sleep disorders since psychiatric symptoms increase the risk of developing insomnia,” adds Steinsbekk.
For complete research, click here