When Should You Schedule a Pediatric Sleep Study for Your Child?

Last updated 8 months ago

Parents are very familiar with their children’s behaviors and habits, but it can be difficult to distinguish delinquency from a true medical problem. However, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to sleep disorders; untreated sleep disorders in children can contribute to a host of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive issues. Read on to determine whether you should schedule a pediatric sleep study to diagnose a possible disorder.

Sleep-disordered breathing
If your child snores, breathes loudly, breathes through his mouth, or complains of difficulty breathing while sleeping, he may have a sleep disorder. The blockage of airflow while sleeping is known as sleep apnea and can be life threatening. The only way to diagnose sleep apnea is through a sleep study.
Insomnia
Difficulty getting your child into bed, down for a nap, or to remain asleep throughout the night may be signs of a larger problem. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, with symptoms that go well beyond simply wanting to stay up late. To determine if your child does in fact have difficulty falling or staying asleep, schedule a pediatric sleep study.
Irregular sleeping patterns
Irregular sleeping patterns are strong indicators of underlying sleep disruptions. Frequent napping, short night sleeping, difficulty falling asleep or waking up, inconsistent sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness are all warning signs of a sleep disorder. Keep an open dialogue with your child about his sleeping patterns and schedule a pediatric sleep study if necessary.
Nocturnal events
Nocturnal events can be upsetting for children and parents alike. These occurrences can range from mild to serious, but almost always signal a sleep disorder. If your child suffers from night terrors, sleepwalking, sleep talking, teeth grinding, bedwetting, or frequent twitching of the limbs, consult a doctor.

Pediatric sleep studies at Comfort Sleep are performed with special attention. Children are assigned a one-on-one sleep technician during the visit, and parents are welcome to voice any questions or concerns. To schedule a sleep study at our clinic serving Monmouth County and surrounding areas, call (732) 455-3030.