Children's Sleep Studies

Child sleeping

Does my child have a sleep disorder?

Sleep is an essential part of your growing child's health. The amount of sleep needed changes as the child grows older. Newborns sleep approximately 16 to 17 hours a day, while preschoolers need only about 12 hours a day.

Sleep disturbances or problems are very common during infancy and childhood, including having trouble getting your child to bed, nightmares, and night terrors. Children and teens are not immune to sleep disorders. Our team can diagnose and treat even the most complex pediatric sleep disorders.

The most common indications that a child might have a sleep disorder include:

  • the clinical assessment suggests the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)
  • the clinical evaluation following adenotonsillectomy if there are residual symptoms of OSAS
  • preoperative evidence for moderate to severe OSAS, obesity, craniofacial anomalies that obstruct the upper airway, and neurologic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and myelomeningocele)
  • congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome or sleep related hypoventilation due to neuromuscular disorders or chest wall deformities
  • cases considered for adenotonsillectomy to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

What type of sleep test is available for children?

Polysomnography is indicated for positive airway pressure (PAP) titration in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

*Please note that one parent or caregiver must be available throughout the child's sleep test procedure and must be able to spend the night with them.

If your child's doctor recommends that he/she be tested for a sleep disorder, we encourage you to bring your child and visit the sleep center prior to their scheduled procedure. This will help them become familiar with the surroundings and our caring staff can answer any questions you or your child might have.

Our sleep centers accommodate children of all ages, at a convenient location near you.