Listen: Podcast interview with Brandon's mother, Tammy, on how Brandon's life changed after treating sleep apnea (.mp3/2 min.)

At our pediatric sleep disorders center, we evaluate the following pediatric sleep disorders:

•  sleep apnea
•  hypoventilation syndrome (HVS)
•  seizure disorders
•  narcolepsy
•  insomnia
•  restless leg syndrome
•  inadequate sleep hygiene

Our sleep disorder treatments and procedures include:

Our Memorial Hospital for Children Pediatric Sleep Disorder Center is nationally accredited by the American Association of Sleep Medicine and staffed by board-certified/board-eligible sleep medicine specialists and certified respiratory technicians and/or registered polysomnographers.

» More about: American Association of Sleep Medicine

- -

Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the most common disorders we evaluate and treat. Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Snoring and breathing difficulty during sleep, especially when associated with bedwetting beyond age three; poor school performance; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and/or a slow rate of growth/failure to thrive
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Labored breathing (heavier, more difficult breathing)
• Unusual sleep positions (e.g. hyperextended neck)
• Cognitive and behavioral problems (e.g. aggressive behavior)

• Morning headaches

The Sleep Study

Sleep studies require an overnight stay at the sleep center and are considered an out-patient visit by your insurance provider. Arrival time for Pediatric patients is usually scheduled at 6 p.m. A sleep technician or registrar will meet you at the front doors and escort you upstairs. If no one is waiting for you, please call 719-364-1471. After checking in, you’ll go to your private room. The room features a private bath, normal bed and cable TV. Each room resembles a hotel room. We prefer only one parent stay with the patient.

Once you are settled in, a technician will explain the procedure while preparing your child for the test. Electrodes are attached for data collection. The wires are long enough to allow your child to move around and turn over in bed. We have plenty of pillows and blankets, but feel free to bring your child’s favorite blanket, pillow or stuffed animal to make it feel more like home. Children may also read or watch TV until their normal bedtime. Your child is monitored throughout the night and you can page your technician at any time if there is anything you need. The study typically ends around 5:30 to 6:30 a.m., but we do not wake your child at a particular time unless you ask us to.

- -

Test Results

A final report is ready in 7 to 10 days. We fax a copy to the referring physician and can make one available for the parent(s) if requested. We encourage you to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss the findings of the sleep study. If treatment is indicated, those options should be discussed at that time as well.

- -