Symptoms and Diagnosis of Children's Sleep Disorders

Few things worry parents as much as a child who can't get restful sleep. Snoring, gasping or pauses in breathing can rob children of the rest they need and may even be signs of more serious problems. Children show symptoms of poor sleep differently than adults.

Children with poor sleep may exhibit:

• Hyperactivity
• Poor grades
• Daytime sleepiness
• Behavioral problems
• Difficulty concentrating

To diagnose sleep problems, doctors need to evaluate each patient's sleep history and determine the appropriate interventions. In some cases, a comprehensive sleep study is needed to observe children while they sleep.

Barriers to good sleep include:

• Sleep apnea
• Insomnia
• Sleep movement disorder
• Circadian rhythm disorder

Preparing Children for a Sleep Study

Children who undergo a sleep study typically come to the Pediatric Sleep Center around 7 p.m., so they can become acclimated to their environment prior to beginning the study between 8 and 9 p.m.

We recommend that you follow your child's normal dinner and bedtime routine prior to arriving for the sleep study. Please plan to stay with your child in the Center during the procedure (one adult please). Comfortable accommodations are available for a parent or legal guardian.

• Bring comfortable sleepwear for your child
• Bring diapers, formulas, snacks or other items your child normally needs
• Bring any medications or treatments that your child normally takes
• Bring any toiletries needed -- showers are available to use prior to leaving
• Feel free to bring your child's favorite items (toy, blanket) especially if your child needs it for sleep
• NO CAFFEINE (tea, chocolate, etc.) after 1 p.m. the afternoon of the study
• Non-caffeinated soft drinks are provided for day and night patients
• Children staying in the center for a day study are provided breakfast and lunch

The study takes about 8 hours and then the child and their parent/legal guardian may go home.

Special non-invasive electrodes and monitors attach to the child's face, head and arms prior to sleep. A polysomnography technician monitors the child's breathing, heart rate, oxygen level, sleep stages and chest and abdominal movement.

The technician tallies the results to pinpoint what irregularities were present and measures their severity.

Post-Evaluation Follow-Up

We provide referring physicians with a follow-up plan and recommendations for treatment from a board-certified Pediatric Sleep Specialist.