Sleep Medicine
Our Pediatric Sleep Treatment Facility in New Orleans
What are pediatric sleep disorders?
Pediatric sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect infants, children, and teenagers.
Common pediatric sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia – where a person cannot fall asleep or has trouble staying asleep.
- Sleep apnea – where a person stops breathing periodically while asleep. If your child has large tonsils, a cleft lip, or a cleft palate, they’re also more likely to experience sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome – An itchy or uncomfortable feeling in the legs when trying to sleep.
- Narcolepsy – causes excessive feelings of drowsiness. Narcoleptics can fall asleep involuntarily at various times throughout the day.
- Abnormal circadian rhythm – The circadian rhythm is your body’s internal sleep schedule. Depression, and other factors can shift this rhythm out of place.
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome – Typically affecting teens, children may not feel drowsy until two hours or more after bedtime. This makes it difficult to wake up early for school and other activities.
- Hypersomnia – excessive daytime sleepiness
Does my child have a sleep disorder?
Children may go through periods of poor sleep, but if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it might be worthwhile to get tested with an in lab overnight sleep study:
- Significant snoring
- Pauses while asleep
- Difficulty initiating sleep
- Nighttime awakenings
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Excessive leg kicking, restlessness, or evening leg pain
- Daytime behavioral problems such as moodiness, inattention, hyperactivity, or difficulties with memory
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning
How is a sleep study performed?
During a sleep study, EEG is measured, along with eye movement, to assess sleep stages. Physiologic parameters typically recorded during a sleep study include pulse oximetry, end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, nasal and oral airflow, chest wall, abdominal and limb movement, and EKG
CPAP/BiPAP titration is performed for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who require non-surgical intervention. Sleep studies also are performed to evaluate the need for nocturnal oxygen in patients with lung disease and the need for nocturnal ventilator support in patients with neuromuscular weakness.
Your Child’s Sleep Study Visit
Upon arrival at the Pediatric Sleep Clinic for your child’s sleep study appointment, you and your child will meet with a technician who will explain the procedures. One parent/guardian is required to be present for the duration of the study, and will sleep in the same room as the child.
In order to properly monitor your child during sleep, wires may be taped or glued to his or her head, face, chest, leg, and/or finger. These will only be attached at the skin’s surface; there are no needles or invasive procedures.
Your child is encouraged to bring his or her own pajamas, blankets, pillows, and/or anything else that will help them feel comfortable and at home. A technician in another room will monitor your child’s sleep overnight. Once the study is over in the morning, our specialists will evaluate the findings and further recommendations may be made for your child.
Our spacious and kid friendly 4-bedroom facility has state-of-the-art equipment private bathrooms, drinks, and television. The Center is staffed by sleep technologists who are registered in both sleep technology and respiratory therapy.
How are pediatric sleep disorders treated?
Treatment of pediatric sleep disorders depends on various factors. Based upon the results of the overnight sleep study, our interpreting physician might refer you to a subspecialist for further evaluation/treatment
How can I get a sleep study scheduled?
A referral to an Otolaryngologist (ENT) or Pulmonary specialist by your primary care doctor is needed to schedule a sleep study. Once this visit is completed, the subspecialist will order the sleep study.
