Sleep Concern

My child won't sleep

Establishing healthy sleep habits for children and adolescents.

Educational information — not medical advice. Talk to your care team about what's right for you.

Overview

Pediatric sleep problems are among the most common concerns parents bring to clinicians — and among the most disruptive to the whole family. A child who isn't sleeping well rarely keeps the struggle to themselves; the entire household feels it. From infants establishing their first rhythms to teenagers whose biology is actively fighting an early school schedule, healthy pediatric sleep is built on timing, consistency, and developmentally appropriate expectations.

Common Causes

Developmental stage — infant sleep is naturally fragmented, and adolescent circadian rhythms shift later by biology, not choice.
Inconsistent sleep schedules that prevent a stable rhythm from forming.
Screen time and evening light, which delay melatonin and push sleep later.
Behavioral associations — needing a parent, a feed, or a device to fall asleep, which then re-trigger awakenings overnight.
Anxiety, school stress, or emotional changes that surface at bedtime.

What You May Be Experiencing

Bedtime resistance, prolonged sleep onset, or repeated 'curtain calls' after lights out.
Frequent night awakenings that require a parent's intervention.
Difficulty waking for school, especially in adolescents.
Daytime irritability, inattention, or behavioral changes linked to poor sleep.
Snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep in a child.

Dr. Morse's Approach

Dr. Morse approaches pediatric sleep as a family system, not just a child's problem. Her philosophy is that sustainable pediatric sleep is built on rhythm, routine, and developmentally appropriate independence — not on rigid 'sleep training' imposed without context. She helps families understand what is normal at each stage, separates true sleep disorders from behavioral patterns, and builds plans that respect both the child's biology and the family's reality. For adolescents, she advocates for schedule and environment changes that work with — not against — their shifting circadian biology.

Treatment Options

Behavioral

Age-appropriate bedtime routines, faded bedtime, and graduated steps toward independent sleep onset.

Lifestyle

Consistent sleep-wake timing (even weekends), protected wind-down, and removing screens from the bedroom.

Medical

Evaluation for pediatric sleep apnea, restless legs, or circadian disorders when symptoms or exam findings suggest more than a behavioral pattern.

Your Night-time Routine

A practical, step-by-step wind-down built around this concern's specific drivers. Follow it consistently for two to three weeks — rhythm, not perfection, is what resets sleep.

1
6:30 PM
Family wind-down begins — screens off, lights low, the household shifts to calm.
2
7:00 PM
Bath, pajamas, and a predictable sequence in the same order every night.
3
7:15 PM
Story or quiet connection — a moment of warmth, not negotiation.
4
7:30 PM
Lights out while drowsy but still awake, so the child learns to fall asleep independently.
5
Weekends
Keep wake and bed times within an hour of weekdays — drifting on weekends resets the whole rhythm.

Take this guide home

A printable PDF of this concern's full overview, routine, and treatment options.

Articles on this concern are being written. Check back soon, or browse the full Sleep Laboratory.

When to Seek Help

Seek professional evaluation if a child snores habitually, has observed breathing pauses, shows significant daytime behavioral or academic changes, or when a family has genuinely exhausted behavioral strategies without improvement. Sudden changes in sleep alongside mood, anxiety, or developmental concerns should be discussed with a clinician.

Educational — Not Medical Advice

This content is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Submitting a question or receiving a reply does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and discuss any changes to your care with your own care team.

Ready for personalized guidance?

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