Our Sleep Care Center at MidState Medical Center treats children of all ages, although any child under the age of 18 must have a parent accompany them for the nighttime sleep study. Sleeping accommodations are available to the parent.
How do you know if your child is suffering from a sleep disorder?
Young children can suffer from a variety of pediatric sleep disorders, including:
Signs & Symptoms
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that 3% of children aged 2-8 have obstructive sleep apnea. These children may snore with intermittent pauses, gasps, or snorts, stop breathing for brief intervals during sleep, and experience restless sleep, sweating and recurrent bedwetting.
Another major sign to look for in diagnosing a sleep disorder is hyperactivity. Adults who go without sleep can be sluggish the following day, but many children with sleep disorders are hyperactive. Consequently, they could be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment of the sleep disorder can lead to significantly improved school performance and a decrease in hyperactivity.
Obesity also may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, as these children burn extra calories at night trying to breathe.
If you think that your child would benefit from a sleep study or consultation with our sleep specialist, please contact our Sleep Care Center at MidState Medical Center at 203.694.5415.