Not Sleeping & Loss of Appetite in Children

Parents are wired to worry any time their children do something that seems out of the ordinary. So if your child stops eating and sleeping well, it̵7;s easy to immediately imagine all the terrible things that could be wrong. It's often something simple, but it helps to know what might be causing the symptoms so you can help your child feel better.

  1. Minor Illness

    • Sometimes when your child is sick, the first signs will be trouble sleeping and a lack of appetite. Illnesses from the common cold to stomach flu to ear infections may start with these vague symptoms. Generally within a day or two the typical symptoms will show up, and that can help you decide when to see a doctor. Keep in mind that certain medications and chronic medical problems can affect appetite and sleep as well.

    Stress

    • A survey by the American Psychological Association in 2010 showed that older children, aged 8 to 12 years old, worry most about school performance, family finances and relationships with other kids.While most kids are resilient and cope easily with stress, some children worry overmuch. This worry can bring about insomnia and poor appetite, among other symptoms. According to the APA, conditions like depression and anxiety can have similar symptoms. They recommend consulting a mental health professional if you are worried about your child's stress.

    Behavior

    • Some children get so busy playing that they find it hard to stop for meals or bedtime -- they're not sick, they just don't want to eat or sleep. Other children won't eat because they are picky or because they have filled up on snacks between meals. Sometimes children can stop eating or sleeping in an effort to take control of their schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a structured routines to help your child eat and sleep better.

    Staying Safe

    • Most healthy children can go a few days without eating as long as they are taking in liquids. But it's critical that your child is drinking. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends calling your doctor right away if your child doesn't drink anything for 12 hours. If you have any concerns, it is always reasonable to call your pediatrician.

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