Sleep Problems in Kids: Is Insomnia Hereditary?

Sleeping problems may be common among adults, but research reveals that it can also affect children. Though parents tend to worry that their kids might inherit their sleeping problems, studies suggest that it is only "moderately" heritable.

Most mothers would worry about their child's sleeping patterns up to a point that they would consult their pediatricians. Though it may seem normal to discuss  the child's sleep problems, the doctor would usually ask if the mother is getting enough sleep as well. 

A Finnish research team reported that most parents with sleep problems would tend to discuss their child's sleep-related problems compared to parents that get a good night sleep, the New York Times cited

"The only thing that was associated with sleeping problems, as reported by the parents, was their own reported sleeping problems," Professor Marko Elovainio said, one of the authors of the study. "Sleep is a good measure of stress, we can't rely on reports of parents. We need to use more objective measures."

The study which was published in the Pediatrics journal suggests that most sleep problems reported by the parents would actually reflect on their own lack of sleep. The study came into conclusion that "parental sleep quality" is being patterned to the way they would report about their child's sleep problems. Most of the factors which affect their behavior are through their anxious thoughts, various stress and mental health-related dilemmas.

Though the research implied that reported sleep problems are usually a reflection of the parent's sleep issues, it does suggest that there's a huge possibility that insomnia can be hereditary. Despite the fact that insomnia is hereditary, it is not, however, applicable to the majority. Clinical Advisor stressed out that insomnia can be "moderately hereditary" wherein the chances of acquiring it from one's parents is a bit low.