Your 5 year old son moaning in his sleep could be a result of just bad dreams or night terrors or he may be having confusional arousals that are often triggered by fever, stress or lack of sleep.
My now 8 year old son started moaning in his sleep when he was 5 and still does it now and nothing is wrong with him as I had him checked out and he said he was having night terrors and bad dreams and he moans sometimes when he's sick with the flu or cold.
Although there can be other causes as well, so it's best to consult with your 5 year old's pediatrician to rule out anything more serious.
Another potential reason for a 5 year old moaning in his sleep is a rare sleep related breathing disorder called catathrenia also known as nocturnal groaning.
During catathrenia or nocturnal groaning a person or kid makes noises while exhaling, during sleep, especially during REM sleep.
The catathrenia or nocturnal groaning is a rare condition that causes high pitched or monotone groans, which is often also accompanied by breathing noises.
Confusional arousals and night terrors are also common in children ages 3 to 7, which can cause the child to moan in their sleep.
The night terrors can occur when your child shifts between his deep sleep stages and may not be fully awake and result in moaning, crying or even thrashing.
The 5 year old moaning at night may also be a result of a partially obstructed airway, or less commonly even sleep apnea, especially if the moaning is accompanied by snoring or pauses in your 5 year old sons breathing.
And even changes in your sons routine, anxiety or even an overly busy day can also disrupt your 5 year old sons sleep.
And illness or ever can cause physical discomfort and cause unusual vocalizations during sleep.
In some cases the moaning that your 5 year old does during sleep is nothing to worry about.
Although you should consult with the 5 year old's pediatrician if the moaning happens every night or lasts for a long time.
Your 5 year old son is excessively tired during the day or has trouble breathing.
You notice the 5 year old has pauses in their breathing, loud snoring or gasps for air.
Or if these behaviors are causing you to worry a lot.