Miya Pearson
Moaning during sleep is a common occurrence in babies and toddlers. While it can be distressing for parents to witness, it is usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, it is simply a result of the natural disruptions that occur as infants establish a consistent sleep rhythm. It could also be a sign of teething, or the result of vivid dreams or night terrors. In some cases, moaning during sleep can indicate a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, confusional arousals, or catathrenia, especially if accompanied by irregular breathing or restless sleeping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Moaning in sleep | Normal |
| Moaning in sleep | Could be night terrors |
| Moaning in sleep | Could be vivid dreams |
| Moaning in sleep | Could be sleep apnea |
| Moaning in sleep | Could be catathrenia |
| Moaning in sleep | Could be teething |
| Moaning in sleep | Could be stress or changes in routine |
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What You'll Learn
It could be night terrors
During a night terror, a child may moan, cry, or scream, but they are not truly awake. Their eyes may be open, and they may be sweating, shaking, or breathing more heavily. Their heart rate may also be elevated, and they may resist attempts at physical comfort. Night terrors can be differentiated from nightmares as children will usually wake up from a nightmare, appearing scared and seeking comfort. With night terrors, the child remains asleep and will likely not remember the episode in the morning.
Night terrors are more common in younger children, with a prevalence of 2% to 7% in children and a peak occurrence between ages 4 and 7. A study of 2,000 children found that 40% of kids between 2 1/2 and 6 years old experienced night terrors. Most children outgrow night terrors before their teens, although they can occasionally persist into adulthood.
If you suspect your child is experiencing night terrors, it is important to consult a pediatrician. While night terrors typically do not require medical intervention, a healthcare professional can provide reassurance and guidance. In some cases, they may suggest waking your child 30 minutes before the sleep terrors typically occur to disrupt the cycle.
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May be a symptom of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person's breathing stops or slows during sleep. It can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 2 and 8, when tonsil growth is at its peak. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is partially or fully blocked during sleep, often due to large tonsils or adenoids, craniofacial disorders, or neuromuscular problems. While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not all children with the condition will exhibit the same symptoms.
If your 2-year-old is moaning in their sleep, it may be a symptom of sleep apnea. Other signs to look out for include gasping for air, pauses in breathing, and loud snoring. If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, it is important to pay attention to any behavioural changes and consult your pediatrician. Sleep apnea can sometimes present as ADHD or ADD, so it is crucial to report any changes in behaviour to your child's doctor.
Sleeping in awkward positions is another symptom of sleep apnea. If your child is sleeping in unusual positions and moaning in their sleep, this could be a sign of the condition. Additionally, if your child is exhibiting signs of restless sleeping, such as thrashing their arms and legs while crying out, it could be indicative of sleep apnea or night terrors.
It is worth noting that moaning during sleep can also be caused by teething pain or vivid dreams. If your child is going through the teething process, you may want to try teething remedies or pain relief options to alleviate any discomfort they may be experiencing.
If you are concerned about your child's sleep patterns and suspect sleep apnea, it is recommended to seek medical advice. A pediatrician can evaluate your child's symptoms and may refer you to a pediatric ENT specialist for further assessment and treatment.
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Could be teething
It is possible that your 2-year-old's moaning in their sleep is caused by teething. Teething pain can prevent children from getting to sleep and can also cause them to wake up during the night. This pain is usually worse when the back teeth (molars) erupt, which tends to happen between 12 and 19 months. However, some babies don't start teething until later, between 12 and 14 months of age, and teething can continue intermittently for the first few years.
Teething can cause increased fussiness, swollen and tender gums, increased biting and chewing, refusal to eat, slight increases in temperature, and increased drooling. Discomfort from teething is more likely to cause waking in the middle of a sleep cycle, rather than at the end of one. If your child is old enough to eat solids, you could try offering them a frozen banana or bagel to chew on, although you should supervise them while they do this. You can also massage your child's gums to provide relief or let them chew on a teething toy or cold washcloth.
If your child is in pain from teething, you can give them the correct dose of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, you should speak to your doctor before giving them acetaminophen (Tylenol/Paracetamol). Teething gels with benzocaine and teething necklaces and beads should be avoided, as they can be harmful.
It is important to note that there could be other reasons for your child's moaning, such as sleep apnea, night terrors, or vivid dreams. If you are concerned, you should speak to your doctor.
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May be dreaming or having a vivid dream
It is common for children to experience sleep problems. Moaning in sleep may be a result of dreaming or having vivid dreams. This is often harmless and the child will not remember the dream in the morning. However, if the moaning is accompanied by heavy breathing, gasping for breath, sweating, or violent thrashing of arms and legs, it may indicate a more serious issue such as sleep apnea or night terrors. Sleep apnea is characterised by restless sleeping, awkward sleeping positions, and heavy breathing. Night terrors, on the other hand, occur during non-REM sleep, usually within the first four hours of sleep. The child may seem confused and violent, crying out and thrashing their limbs. In this case, it is advised not to wake them as they may become more disoriented. Instead, offer parental reassurance and comfort when they return to "normal" sleep.
If you are concerned about your child's moaning during sleep, you can look out for other signs and symptoms to determine if further action is needed. Check if the moaning occurs consistently after a certain number of hours of sleep, as this may indicate a correlation with sleep cycles. Observe their breathing patterns and check for any signs of distress or restlessness. Also, take note of their sleeping positions and any changes in their behaviour during sleep. If you suspect sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and advice.
It is worth noting that teething pain could also be a factor in your child's moaning during sleep. Consider whether the moaning started around the same time as teething and explore alternative pain relief methods if Prodol does not seem effective. Additionally, poor sleep hygiene may contribute to sleep difficulties. Evaluate your child's sleep habits and environment to ensure they are conducive to a good night's rest.
While dreaming or vivid dreams may be a reason for your 2-year-old's moaning, it is important to remain vigilant and seek professional advice if you notice any concerning behaviours or patterns that indicate a potential sleep disorder.
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May be experiencing catathrenia
If your 2-year-old moans in their sleep, it may be due to catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder that causes people to groan or moan loudly in their sleep as they exhale. The groaning sounds typically last between two and 49 seconds and can occur in clusters for up to an hour, usually during REM sleep but also during non-REM sleep.
Catathrenia often starts in childhood and affects more young men than women. The exact cause of catathrenia is unknown, but it is not believed to be caused by psychological or psychiatric stress. Limited research suggests potential causes, including dysfunctional neurons in the part of the brain that controls breathing, small upper airways, small jaws, or inspiratory flow limitation. Additionally, people with catathrenia have been found to have lower diversity in their salivary microbiota (the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in saliva), which presents a new pathway for potential treatment.
If you suspect your child may have catathrenia, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider. A polysomnogram sleep study can be conducted to officially diagnose catathrenia, and treatment options are available to reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality. Treatment options include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and, in cases of upper airway obstruction, surgical removal of the tonsils or both the tonsils and adenoids.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be a number of reasons for this. It could be night terrors, which occur within the first four hours of sleep and can cause the child to become violent and confused. It could also be confusional arousal, a variant of night terrors where the child may stand up and yell out random words. It could also be catathrenia, a sleep disorder characterised by moaning or groaning sounds during sleep. Other reasons could include teething, stress, or changes in sleep patterns.
If you are concerned, it is best to consult a medical professional for advice. In the meantime, you can try to rule out any potential causes, such as teething or stress, and ensure that your child is getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.
It is possible that your child is experiencing night terrors, especially if the moaning occurs within the first four hours of sleep and is accompanied by other symptoms such as crying out, thrashing of arms and legs, or confusion upon awakening. If you suspect night terrors, it is generally advised not to try to wake the child, as they may become more disoriented, and they will likely return to normal sleep on their own without remembering the incident in the morning.
