Pediatric Sleep disorders

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It is estimated that 25% of children will experience some type of sleep problem during childhood. Some of these conditions include: obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder, insomnia and parasomnia (sleep-walking, night terrors). Untreated sleep disorders can lead to slowed growth and development, behavioral problems, hormonal and metabolic problems.

Common sleep disorder symptoms:

• Snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Restless sleep
• Bed wetting
• Behavioral problems
• Sweating when sleeping
• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty staying awake
• Insomnia

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your sleep provider will obtain a complete history and physical to determine the best treatment for your child. An overnight sleep study may be recommended to evaluate oxygen levels, snoring, breathing patterns, carbon dioxide levels, leg movements, behavior during sleep and stages of sleep. Treatment will vary depending on the type of sleep disorder and may range from behavioral changes to improve sleep hygiene or CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea.