Pediatric Sleep Medicine
A little bedtime story, a hug and a kiss, and many children are off to dreamland. But for some children, bedtime is anything but a sweet occasion. Unable to easily drift off to sleep or to stay asleep, it's estimated that one-fourth of all children suffer from some type of sleeping disorder. From poor sleep habits to underlying medical conditions the impact of a childhood sleep disorder can be devastating to the child and disruptive to the whole family.
Many people think sleep disorders only affect adults or think that a child will outgrow a sleep disorder. But children are equally susceptible to having sleep disorders as anyone. It's not uncommon for parents and pediatricians alike to misread the signs and symptoms associated with sleep disorders in children.
The Effects of Sleeplessness on Children
Each child is different and has different sleep needs. Depending on the child's age they may require 9 to 12 hours of sleep or more to keep up with normal physical, mental and emotional development. Without good, restorative sleep, children may not develop and grow normally or reach their full academic potential. Untreated, sleep disorders can cause poor concentration, memory lapses and behavioral problems. The best way to deal with most sleep problems is to find them early and treat them as soon as possible before they become disruptive and emotionally draining on the whole family.
Sleep Disorders and ADHD
In children, it's not uncommon for sleepiness to look more like hyperactivity. Some parents of children with sleep disorders believe their child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), when in fact the cause could be a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome (RLS) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).
Recognizing a Sleep Disorder in Children
Take a moment and consider if you've observed any of these symptoms of pediatric sleep disorders in your child:
- Bedtime resistance or hyperactivity at bedtime
- Unusual nighttime awakenings
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Sleepwalking, sleeptalking or sleeping in strange or unusual positions
- Problems breathing or noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Kicking during sleep
- Complaints of creepy, crawling feelings or discomfort in legs when resting
- Bedwetting
- Difficulty waking
- Confusion upon awakening
Sometimes, the effects of childhood sleep disorders are more obvious by examining a child's daytime behaviors. Have you noticed your child exhibiting symptoms, such as:
- Feeding difficulties
- Mouth breathing while awake
- Frequent upper respiratory problems
- Always being tired
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Behavior problems resulting in school and social difficulties
- Depression
- Irritability or mood swings during the day
Where We Begin
- Sleeping problems and patterns
- Behavioral problems and patterns
- Developmental issues
- Medical Conditions
Sleep Treatment
Our pediatric team will work closely with your child's primary physician to ensure appropriate evaluation and treatment. Tests may involve state-of-the-art systems that monitor your child's breathing, brain waves, muscle activity, heart rate, oxygen and body movements. We provide a private room for the child and an adjacent companion room for the parent. The sleep technologists monitor all sleeping patients from a separate room.
Once a diagnosis is determined, a treatment plan can be developed. This may include use of proper sleep hygiene, medications, weight loss or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Some patients may be referred to an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist) for surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids.
It's time to put an end to your child's sleepless nights. Find out if a sleep disorder is the problem—you and your child will rest easier knowing.
- Do you have a sleep disorder? Take the Sleep Assessment.
- Schedule an appointment today.