How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Insomnia in Children

Audience: pediatric

If your child is having trouble sleeping, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand possible causes and next steps. Insomnia means difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Preparing well for the video visit will help the provider learn about your child's sleep habits and any other health issues. During the visit, you can discuss your child's symptoms, daily routines, and any worries you have. This guide helps you get ready for the visit, know when to seek urgent care, and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for insomnia in children. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or noisy breathing during sleep — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child is very hard to wake up or is unusually sleepy during the day — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Child experiences seizures or unusual movements during sleep — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing sleep patterns and habits
• Providing guidance on improving sleep hygiene
• Discussing medication effects on sleep
• Determining need for further testing or referrals

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations
• Conducting sleep studies or tests
• Diagnosing complex sleep disorders without in-person evaluation
• Providing emergency care for severe symptoms

What Is Insomnia in Children?

Insomnia means your child has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wakes up too early and cannot go back to sleep. It can make your child feel tired, cranky, or have trouble paying attention during the day. Many things can cause insomnia, including stress, changes in routine, illness, or sleep environment.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, keep a sleep diary for a few days. Write down when your child goes to bed, how long it takes to fall asleep, number of times waking up, and wake-up time. Note any naps, screen time before bed, and caffeine or food intake. Prepare a list of your child's medicines and any health concerns. Find a quiet, well-lit place for the video call where you won't be interrupted.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's sleep patterns, daily habits, and overall health. They may ask about stress, school, or family changes. You can share your sleep diary and any questions you have. The provider may give advice on sleep habits or suggest further tests or referrals if needed.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if your child has:

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Insomnia

**Can handle:**

**Cannot handle:**

After the Video Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the provider's advice on sleep routines and any recommended treatments. Keep tracking your child's sleep to see if it improves. Schedule follow-up visits if suggested. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Keep a sleep diary for 3–7 days noting bedtime, wake time, night awakenings, naps, and screen time.
• List all current medications and supplements your child is taking.
• Prepare notes on any recent changes in your child's routine, stress, or health.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection for the video visit.
• Have your child's favorite blanket or comfort item nearby to help them feel at ease if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for sleep routines and treatments.
• Continue tracking your child's sleep patterns to monitor changes.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or referrals.
• Seek in-person care if your child's symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your child's progress.

FAQs

What should I include in a sleep diary for my child?

A sleep diary should include your child's bedtime, how long it takes to fall asleep, number and duration of night awakenings, wake-up time, naps during the day, screen time before bed, and any caffeine or food intake in the evening.

Can a video visit diagnose my child's insomnia?

A video visit can help the healthcare provider understand your child's sleep problems and suggest next steps, but it cannot replace in-person tests or physical exams needed for a full diagnosis.

What if my child has trouble using the technology for the video visit?

Try to test the device and internet connection before the visit. If problems occur, contact the healthcare provider's office for help or ask if a phone call or in-person visit is possible.

Are there common tips to help children sleep better?

Yes, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, creating a quiet and dark sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine or heavy meals in the evening can help improve sleep.

When should I seek emergency care for my child's sleep problems?

Seek emergency care if your child has difficulty breathing during sleep, seizures, is very hard to wake up, or shows signs of severe illness like high fever or confusion.

Sources

1. Insomnia in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sleep Disorders in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Insomnia: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Insomnia in Children and Adolescents — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention in person.