Pediatric Sleep Disorders

Few things worry parents as much as a child who can’t get restful sleep. Snoring, gasping, pauses in breathing or frequent nighttime awakenings can interrupt the healthy rest your child needs, affecting their behavior, school performance and overall health. Because children express sleep problems differently than adults, it’s important to understand when a sleep concern may require evaluation.

Pediatric sleep disorders include a range of conditions that interfere with normal sleep patterns and restful sleep for children of all ages. Barriers to good sleep may include:

• Sleep apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep—often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids in younger children—or weight-related factors in adolescents
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep beyond what is typical for the child’s age
• Sleep movement disorders: Including restless sleep or periodic limb movements
• Circadian rhythm disorders: Disruptions in the internal sleep–wake timing

Children with poor sleep may display a variety of signs, including:

• Snoring or gasping for air during sleep
• Frequent nighttime awakenings
• Behavioral challenges or mood changes
• Difficulty waking up in the morning
• Daytime fatigue or inattention
• Poor performance in school or activities

If your child experiences any of these symptoms consistently, it may be time to schedule an evaluation by a pediatric sleep specialist.

A pediatric sleep specialist will review your child’s sleep history and symptoms to determine the need for a sleep study. These studies are conducted in a comfortable environment (designed to resemble a bedroom) while monitoring your child as they sleep. The data collected helps clinicians identify the type and severity of a sleep disorder so that personalized treatment recommendations can be made.

Why Get a Sleep Study?

It can be difficult to distinguish between typical snoring or occasional restless nights—and a more serious sleep disorder. For example, obstructive sleep apnea—where breathing repeatedly stops and starts—may need a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose accurately. Physicians typically recommend that children with persistent symptoms undergo a sleep study in a qualified pediatric sleep center for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

A sleep study (polysomnography) involves observing your child’s sleep through non-invasive monitoring equipment. This may include tracking breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels and sleep stages, providing a clear picture of what happens overnight in order to guide effective treatment.

Once a sleep disorder is diagnosed, treatment options are tailored to the specific condition and your child’s needs. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Behavioral strategies to improve sleep routines
• Medical management or referral to specialists
• Surgical options for airway obstruction
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy when appropriate

To learn more or to find a pediatric sleep specialist, please complete the form below. A member of our team will reach out to guide you through the next steps in care.