Sleep is essential for children’s growth, development, and overall health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends the following daily sleep durations:
•    Newborns (0–3 months): 12–16 hours, often in short periods; day-night patterns may not be established yet 
•    Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers: 11–14 hours, including naps 
•    School-Age Children (Kindergarten to 8th grade): 9–10 hours 
•    High School Students (9th–10th grade): ~9.25 hours 
•    High School Seniors (11th–12th grade): ~8.5 hours 
Signs Your Child May Need More Sleep
•    Difficulty waking up in the morning 
•    Falling asleep during school or activities 
•    Hyperactivity or acting out 
Tips for Better Sleep in Children
•    Avoid caffeine: Limit soda or other caffeinated drinks 
•    Create a calming bedtime routine: Include bath time, storytime, or relaxing activities 
•    Keep devices out of the bedroom 
•    Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Set regular bedtimes and wake times 
If your child continues to have sleep difficulties despite these measures, a consultation at Forsyth Sleep MD is recommended.
Common Pediatric Sleep Disorders
1. Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
•    Signs: Loud snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, night sweats, hyperactivity 
•    Risk Factors: Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, overweight, certain genetic or neuromuscular conditions 
•    Treatment: Tonsil/adenoid removal, Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy 
•    Consequences of Untreated OSA: High blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, failure to thrive, oppositional behavior, nighttime bedwetting 
2. Behavioral Insomnia
•    Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to behavioral factors 
•    Treatment: Behavioral interventions guided by a sleep physician 
3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
•    Unpleasant sensations in the legs causing trouble initiating or maintaining sleep 
•    About 25% of children with RLS also have ADHD 
•    Treatment: Address underlying triggers; iron supplementation or infusion may be recommended 
4. Parasomnias
•    Includes sleep terrors, nightmares, sleepwalking, and confusional arousals 
•    Description: Behaviors during sleep that appear purposeful, but the child is not aware of the environment 
•    Diagnosis & Treatment: Clinical evaluation; in-lab sleep study if needed; conservative management, reassurance, and education 
5. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
•    Common in adolescents who have late sleep onset 
•    Treatment: Bright light therapy and melatonin under physician guidance 

At Forsyth Sleep MD, our board-certified sleep physicians perform comprehensive pediatric sleep evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans to help children achieve healthy, restorative sleep.