Pediatric Sleep Disorders

Does your Child need a Sleep Study?

Although most kids will use any excuse in the book to avoid going to bed at night, lack of a good night's rest can lead to serious problems. As many as 20 percent of children experience problems sleeping. But the effects aren't limited to the child, his or her sleeping problems can impact the entire family.

Sleep disorders are sometimes at the root of attention problems, emotional outbursts, frustration and other behaviors that can get in the way of success at school and home. And in one to three percent of seemingly healthy children, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) presents a serious medical risk. OSAS is a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely obstructed during sleep.

If your child experiences any the following symptoms, you may want to discuss your child's sleep with your pediatrician or family physician:

• Snoring
• Pauses in breathing
• Gasping for air
• Teeth grinding
• Restless sleep
• Unusual sleep positions, such as a hyper-extended neck
• Mouth breathing
• Bed wetting
• Difficulty waking in the morning
• Daytime sleepiness in school
• Inattention or hyperactivity
• Trouble concentrating or decreased in school performance
• Headaches in the morning

You can help your child get the recommended sleep by creating a consistent "sleep hygiene" routine:

• Set a regular bed time and sticking to it
• Remove TVs, computers and other distractions from your child’s room
• Avoid big meals and caffeinated drinks close to bedtime
• Set a relaxation routine and a quiet time before going to bed
• Make sure the bedroom is dark, quiet and comfortable

What Next?

If you’ve tried changing your child’s sleeping habits but are still concerned about your child's symptoms, ask your pediatrician to schedule a sleep study with Shore Memorial’s Center for Sleep Medicine. The Sleep Center provides overnight studies for children as young as three.