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Your child's behavior can be difficult during the daytime if they aren't sleeping well. Disrupted sleep can also put you under a lot of stress.

Some children will grow out of sleep problems. But if your child has a serious sleep problem, it could last quite long. Without treatment, 4 in 5 young children still have their sleep problem two to three years later.¹

If your child is sleepy during the day or waking at night, they probably won't do so well during the daytime. Your child may:

• Behave badly
• Become moody.

They may also find it hard to concentrate.

Children who sleepwalk also risk accidentally injuring themselves while they're asleep. But children usually stop having nightmares and stop sleepwalking by age 10.²

Children with learning disabilities and sleep disorders may have more challenging behavior than those without sleep disorders.³ This can put you under a lot of strain. It can make it harder for you to enjoy life, and it can put stress on your relationship with your partner.⁴ If you are having a hard time coping, talk with your doctor. There may be local groups or services that can help.

Regular lack of sleep in a child who has epilepsy means they're more likely to have more seizures.⁵

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.