The Conversation – Michael Gradisar and Rachel Hiller
Until fairly recently, insomnia was largely thought of as an adult sleep problem. Then, in 2014, the diagnosis of insomnia in adults was combined with the behavioural sleep problems seen in children. This means that children can now be diagnosed with an insomnia disorder. There are a number of symptoms of insomnia that overlap between children and adults, including difficulties in falling – or staying – asleep. To be diagnosed with insomnia, these difficulties must persist for at least three nights a week and last for at least three months.