Sleep Studies On Kids: What, Why, And How?

Sleep studies, or polysomnograms, are a common diagnostic test that can help doctors identify sleep problems in children. The test involves placing sensors on the child's body to monitor brain activity, heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen levels, body movements, and sleep positions. These sensors are non-invasive and do not cause any pain or discomfort to the child. The test is typically conducted overnight in a sleep lab or hospital, and parents or guardians are usually allowed to stay with the child. The results of the sleep study can help doctors diagnose conditions such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and sleepwalking, among others.

Sensors are placed on the child's head, chin, legs, eyes, chest, and stomach

Sensors are placed on a child's head to measure brain activity and determine what stage of sleep the child is in. This is done by placing small, round metal discs, or electrodes, on the child's scalp, with one electrode placed on each side of the head. This measures the brain's electrical activity, or brain waves, and can help determine whether the child is in light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. Eye movements are also tracked using these sensors, which can be used to determine what stage of sleep the child is in.

Sensors are placed on the child's chin to measure muscle tone. This is done by placing two electrodes under the chin to track the child's jaw movements and the tension in their muscles. This information can be used to determine how relaxed the child's muscles are during sleep.

Sensors are placed on the child's legs to track leg movements during sleep. This is done using an EMG (electromyography) monitor, which measures muscle movement and can be used to assess conditions such as restless leg syndrome.

Sensors are placed near the child's eyes to track eye movements during sleep. This is usually done by placing one electrode on each side of the head. By measuring the speed of the child's eye movements, it is possible to determine the stage of sleep the child is in.

Sensors are placed on the child's chest and stomach to measure breathing and chest movement. This is typically done using small elastic belts or stretchy fabric bands placed around the child's chest and abdomen. These belts measure the expansion and contraction of the chest and abdomen during inhalation and exhalation, respectively. Additionally, a sensor may be placed under the child's nose to measure airflow, and an oxygen sensor may be attached to the child's toe or finger to measure blood oxygen levels.

Sleep studies are carried out in sleep labs or hospitals

On the day of the study, parents and children are greeted and shown to their sleep suite, where they meet the sleep technician who will be monitoring the child throughout the night. The technician will gather medical information, answer any questions, and explain the equipment to be used. This equipment includes sensors and electrodes that are placed on the child's body to monitor various functions during sleep. These sensors are non-invasive and painless, using tape or sticky paste to attach to the skin.

The sensors placed on the child's head, for instance, monitor brain waves and eye movements, while those on the chest and abdomen measure breathing movements and heart rate. Additionally, an oxygen sensor is attached to the child's toe or finger to measure blood oxygen levels. The child's leg movements are also tracked using an EMG (electromyography) monitor. Throughout the night, a technician sits outside the child's room, monitoring the data in real-time.

The sleep studies typically begin around 7 pm and are completed by 6 am the next morning, allowing the child to go home or to school afterward. The results of the study are then sent to the referring physician, who will explain them during a follow-up appointment.

Parents/guardians are required to stay overnight with the child

Parents/guardians are required to stay overnight with their child during a sleep study. This is to ensure that the child feels comfortable and safe throughout the procedure. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Before the Sleep Study

It is recommended that parents/guardians arrive at least 10 minutes to 2 hours early for the sleep study appointment. This will allow time to get settled, fill out any necessary paperwork, and ask any questions. It is important that the child's hair is clean, dry, and free of any products such as hair spray, gels, or oil. This is to ensure that the electrodes can be properly attached to the scalp.

During the Sleep Study

The sleep study will be conducted in a private and comfortable setting, usually a sleep lab or a hospital sleep center. The child will be asked to change into comfortable clothing or pajamas, and they can bring their own pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal to make them feel more at home. The sleep technician will then place the necessary sensors and electrodes on the child, which may include sensors on the head, face, arms, legs, chest, and stomach. These sensors will record brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels. The child may also have a camera and microphone in the room to record sounds and video during sleep.

Parent/Guardian Accommodations

The sleep center will provide accommodations for one parent or guardian to stay overnight with the child. This may include a separate bed, sleeping chair, or lounge area in the same room as the child. Parents/guardians are encouraged to bring their own pillow, blanket, or other items to ensure a comfortable night's rest.

After the Sleep Study

The sleep study will typically be completed between 6:00 and 6:30 in the morning, and the child and parent/guardian will be ready to go home at that time. The sleep technician will remove all sensors and equipment from the child, and the child can change into their regular clothes. The results of the sleep study will usually be available within one to four weeks, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the findings with a physician.

Sleep studies are non-invasive and not painful

Sleep studies are a non-invasive and painless way to assess a child's sleeping habits and patterns. They are often recommended for children with sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or hypersomnia. The studies are conducted in a controlled setting, usually a sleep lab, and involve monitoring various body functions while the child sleeps.

The procedure involves placing small electrodes and sensors on the child's body to collect data. These include sensors on the head to monitor brain waves and sensors above and below the eyes to track eye movements. Small plastic prongs are also placed in the child's nose to measure airflow, and elastic belts are placed around the child's chest and abdomen to monitor breathing movements. An oxygen sensor, similar to a Band-Aid with a tiny red light, is attached to the child's toe or finger to measure blood oxygen levels. Additionally, leg movements are tracked using an EMG (electromyography) monitor to detect conditions like restless leg syndrome.

The entire process is non-invasive, and the sensors are simply applied to the skin without breaking it. There are no needles or painful procedures involved. The child can also bring their own bedding, toys, or other comfort items to make them feel more at ease during the study. One parent or guardian is typically required to stay overnight with the child, providing support and comfort.

Sleep studies provide valuable insights into a child's sleep patterns and quality of sleep. By analyzing brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, and breathing, specialists can diagnose and treat various sleep disorders, including neurological and breathing disorders. The data collected during the study helps physicians develop appropriate treatment plans to improve the child's sleep and overall well-being.

Sleep studies can help diagnose many sleep-related conditions

Sleep studies, or polysomnograms, are an effective way to diagnose and treat a variety of sleep-related conditions in children. These conditions can include neurological disorders, movement disorders, and breathing disorders. The studies are particularly useful in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids in children. OSA is characterised by snoring, gasping for air, or stopping breathing while asleep.

The procedure involves placing around 30 small electrodes on the child's scalp, chin, and under the chin, as well as sensors on the head, chest, above and below the eyes, lower legs, under the nose or near the mouth, and an adhesive strip-type sensor on the finger. An elastic belt is also placed around the child's chest and abdomen to measure breathing movements. These sensors and belts allow technicians to monitor brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, leg movements, breathing, and oxygen levels.

The data collected during a sleep study provides valuable insights into a child's sleeping patterns and can help identify any disruptions that may be affecting their daytime activities or posing a risk to their health. By measuring brain waves and eye movements, technicians can determine what stage of sleep a child is in, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Eye movements can indicate whether a child is in a slow or fast stage of sleep. Muscle tone measurements can show how relaxed a child's muscles are, which is important for identifying conditions like restless leg syndrome.

In addition to the sensors, a microphone and camera are used to record sounds and videos of the child's sleep. This helps technicians understand the child's sleeping activities and behaviours. The entire procedure is painless, non-invasive, and needle-free. A parent or guardian is required to stay overnight with the child during the study and can provide comfort and support.

Frequently asked questions