Sleep Struggles in Tweens and Teens: Insomnia, Nightmares and When Parents Should Seek Help

Sleep problems are one of the most common—and most stressful—concerns parents bring up when raising tweens and teens. From bedtime battles and nighttime anxiety to insomnia, nightmares, and middle-of-the-night visits to a parent’s bedroom, sleep challenges can leave families exhausted, worried, and unsure of what’s normal.

In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, clinical psychologists Dr. Annalise Caron and Dr. Suzanne Allen welcome back Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale to talk about sleep challenges in tweens and teens, including insomnia, parasomnias, nightmares, and ongoing sleep disruptions. They break down how chronic sleep difficulties can impact emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, and daily functioning—while also explaining what’s developmentally typical and what deserves closer attention.  

This conversation also addresses teens seeking comfort in a parent’s bedroom at night, sleep differences in neurodivergent kids, and how parents can respond without increasing shame or fear. Dr. Roth and Dr. Shale offer clear guidance on sleep hygiene, clinical red flags, and how to find qualified behavioral sleep specialists when additional support is needed.  This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance for parents navigating sleep challenges while supporting their child’s emotional and mental well-being.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00  Why Sleep Matters for Kids and Teens  

01:30  What Insomnia Really Is  

02:41  How Insomnia Affects Daily Functioning  

05:47  How Chronic Sleep Problems Impact Mental Health  

06:54  When Teens Still Go to Their Parents’ Bedroom  

09:26  How to Address Clinical Sleep Concerns  

11:35  When to Seek Medical Advice About Sleep Concerns and Bed Wetting 

12:42  Common Parasomnias in Tweens and Teens  

14:40  When Should Parents Be Concerned About Behaviors like Sleep Walking or Talking?  

16:28  Nightmares During the Middle School Years  

18:13  Sleep Hygiene Explained by Two Experts  

20:44  Sleep in Neurodivergent Kids (e.g., ADHD, Autism): What It Can Look Like 

27:19  How to Find a Behavioral Sleep Specialist  

31:26  Book Recommendation: The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep

If your child is struggling with sleep—and you’re feeling unsure about what’s normal or what to do next—this episode provides expert insight, reassurance, and actionable guidance.

Prefer Video?  Watch this episode Here on YouTube.

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DISCLAIMER: The Parenting Pair Podcast is designed for informational and educational purposes only. Do not rely
on the information presented in this podcast as as a substitute or replacement for professional -- psychological or medical -- advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about you or a family member's well being, please contact a licensed mental health professional or physician.