Sleep Study For Children: Is It Possible?

Sleep studies are often performed on children to evaluate their brain activity, breathing, and movements during sleep. These studies are typically carried out in a controlled setting, such as a sleep lab or a hospital, and involve monitoring various body functions and recording sleep activities. One of the most common reasons for conducting a sleep study on a child is to assess for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is often characterized by snoring, gasping for air, or cessation of breathing while asleep. Sleep studies can also be useful in evaluating other sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement disorder, hypersomnia, and narcolepsy.

Sleep studies are used to diagnose sleep disorders, including sleep apnea

A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is a test that helps doctors diagnose sleep problems. It is an overnight test that can record a variety of body functions while a child sleeps. Sensors are placed on the child's head, chin, legs, and around the eyes, and an elastic belt is put around the chest and stomach to monitor breathing. These sensors track the activity of multiple body systems, including the heart, brain, and respiratory system, to provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive view of the quality of the child's sleep.

During a sleep study, doctors will check blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, snoring and other noises, body movements, and sleep positions. Audio and video recordings are also made during the study, which can be helpful if the sensors pick up any unusual or concerning readings. The study is not painful, and the child can bring their own pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal to make them feel more comfortable.

Sleep apnea can affect a child's behaviour during the day, making them more tired, inattentive, and irritable. It can also lead to more serious complications such as growth and development challenges, loss of bladder control, and cardiopulmonary disease. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat sleep apnea early to prevent any potential long-term effects on the child's health and well-being.

They can also help identify other issues like restless leg syndrome or insomnia

Sleep studies can be done on children to help diagnose sleep problems. These studies are often carried out overnight, recording a variety of body functions while the child sleeps. Doctors may recommend a sleep study for children who are suspected to have sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness), or insomnia.

Sleep studies can be particularly useful in identifying restless leg syndrome (RLS) and insomnia in children. RLS is a brain, nerve, and sleep condition that causes an urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. It can significantly disrupt sleep and cause complications such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, behavioural changes, and difficulty concentrating. Clinical reports have implicated RLS with sleep and behaviour problems in children, and it has been associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), growing pains, behavioural disorders, and low ferritin levels.

Insomnia, on the other hand, is a disruption of the sleep cycle characterised by difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or early morning awakenings. It can be triggered by stressors such as homework, problems with friends, or a change in environment. Insomnia in children can lead to daytime fatigue and irritability, and has also been linked to ADHD and depression.

Both RLS and insomnia can have a significant impact on a child's quality of life, affecting their mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Sleep studies can help identify these conditions and guide appropriate treatment or management strategies. By monitoring body movements, sleep positions, and other parameters during sleep, healthcare professionals can determine if a child is exhibiting signs of RLS or insomnia and provide recommendations for improving sleep quality.

Sleep studies are often recommended for children with obesity, as they are at a higher risk of developing sleep disorders

Sleep studies are often recommended for children with obesity as they are at a higher risk of developing sleep disorders. Sleep studies are used to evaluate brain activity, breathing, and movements during sleep. During a sleep study, sensors are placed on the child's head, chin, and legs, and around the eyes. An elastic belt is also put around the child's chest and stomach to measure breathing. The sensors are connected to a computer to provide information during sleep.

Sleep studies are often ordered to find out if a child has problems breathing while asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common reasons for doing a sleep study. It is often found in children who snore, gasp for air, or stop breathing while asleep. Children with enlarged tonsils may also have apnea. Sleep studies are also used to diagnose other sleep problems such as periodic limb movement disorder and hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness).

There is growing evidence that a decline in the duration of sleep that children get is inversely associated with obesity. Studies have shown that children who sleep for shorter or insufficient durations have significantly increased odds of being affected by obesity compared to those who sleep for sufficient durations. The proposed etiology of this association suggests that insufficient sleep leads to an energy imbalance via altered hormone regulation, reducing physical activity levels, increasing sedentary time, and a higher caloric intake.

The association between short sleep duration and obesity or adiposity during early childhood has been found in numerous epidemiological studies over the last decade. However, there is a gap in understanding the sleep duration in relation to adiposity during infancy and toddlerhood (prior to age 3 years), even though sleep problems and sleep loss are common at this age. A recent longitudinal study found that chronic short sleep from infancy through school age was associated with increased adiposity indicators and obesity.

Sleep studies are non-invasive and do not cause any pain to the child

Sleep studies are often recommended for children who may have sleep problems such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), periodic limb movement disorder, hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness), or narcolepsy. OSA is one of the most common reasons for a sleep study, and can be caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other reasons for a sleep study include monitoring Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, determining respiratory needs for oxygen and ventilator support, and evaluating pre- and post-operative sleep problems related to scoliosis, spina bifida, cleft palate, and other neurosurgical and craniofacial disorders.

During a sleep study, a sleep technician will attach sensors and small metal discs, called electrodes, to the child's body and head to record their sleep activities. The child will not be sedated during the procedure, but they may be wrapped in blankets or placed on a papoose board to prevent them from rolling around or pulling on wires. The electrodes are filled with a paste that helps to measure brain activity and do not hurt the child. The sensors and electrodes will measure various body functions, including blood oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, snoring and other noises, body movements, and sleep positions. A microphone and camera may also record the child's sleep.

The sleep study procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible for the child. They can bring their own pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal, and parents are usually allowed to stay overnight with their child during the study. The child can sleep in their own clothes or pyjamas, and they can watch TV or use personal electronic devices during the setup process.

Parents can stay with their child during the sleep study

Sleep studies are often recommended for children who experience sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or hypersomnia. This can be done through an overnight test that records a variety of body functions while the child sleeps.

If your child is scheduled for a sleep study, you might be wondering if you can stay with them during the procedure. The good news is that most sleep centers allow parents or guardians to stay overnight with their child during the sleep study. Here's what you need to know:

Parental Presence During the Sleep Study

It is understandable for parents to want to be with their child during a sleep study. The good news is that sleep centers typically allow one parent or guardian to stay overnight in the same room as their child. The sleep center will provide a separate bed or sleeping chair for the parent or guardian. This can help provide comfort and support for the child during the procedure.

Preparing for the Sleep Study

To prepare for the sleep study, it is recommended that your child gets a good night's sleep the night before and avoids caffeine. On the day of the study, it is important to arrive at the sleep center at least 2 hours before your child's usual bedtime, or as directed by the doctor. Your child should also have clean, dry hair with no products in it, and they can wear whatever they are comfortable sleeping in (except one-piece footed pajamas).

Personal Items

Bringing personal items from home can help make your child feel more comfortable during the sleep study. This may include their favorite pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, or other items that are part of their bedtime routine. It is also a good idea to pack a bedtime snack if your child usually has one, as most sleep centers do not provide food.

Electronic Devices

During the placement of sensors or electrodes, both children and parents are usually allowed to use personal electronic devices such as cell phones and tablets. However, once the setup is complete, all electronic devices must be turned off for the duration of the sleep study. Medically necessary electronic devices, such as feeding pumps, are permitted.

Results and Follow-Up

After the sleep study is completed, your child will be awakened by the sleep technician, who will remove the sensors. The results of the study will then be sent to the referring physician, and you can expect to receive the results within 7 to 10 business days. The doctor will usually schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the results and any necessary treatment plans.

In summary, it is understandable for parents to want to stay with their child during a sleep study, and most sleep centers accommodate this by allowing one parent or guardian to stay overnight. By following the preparation guidelines and bringing personal items from home, you can help ensure your child's comfort during the procedure. The sleep study will provide valuable information to help diagnose and address any sleep-related issues your child may be experiencing.

Frequently asked questions