Sleep Study Options For Children: Where To Go?

Sleep studies are typically carried out in hospitals or sleep centres, where children can spend the night while their sleep patterns are recorded. Sensors are placed on the child's body to monitor brain activity, breathing, movements, heart rate, eye movements, leg movements, and oxygen levels. These sensors are non-invasive and do not break the skin. The data collected from these sensors can help doctors diagnose sleep problems such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, seizures, night terrors, and sleepwalking. The entire process usually takes one night, and parents are often allowed to stay with their child during the study.

At a hospital

Sleep studies for children are typically carried out in sleep labs or hospitals. Here is some information about what to expect from a sleep study in a hospital setting.

Before the Sleep Study

You will need a referral from your child's physician or primary care provider to book a sleep study. Once you have the referral, the hospital will contact you to schedule a date and time. You will need to confirm the appointment by phone.

On the day of the study, you should arrive at least 10 minutes early. The child's parent or legal guardian must be present throughout the study and stay overnight in the lab with the child. The parent or guardian should bring all personal care items, including medications, formula, nappies, bedtime snacks, and any medical equipment the child uses. The child should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, such as pyjamas or a t-shirt and shorts. They can sleep in whatever makes them feel comfortable.

The child should have a normal day with no restrictions on food, drink, or medications (unless instructed otherwise by the physician). Caffeine products should be limited for at least 24 hours before the study. The child should be kept awake and active during the day to maximise sleep during the study.

During the Sleep Study

The sleep study is usually carried out overnight and takes place in a sleep lab within the hospital. The child will be hooked up to various sensors and monitoring equipment to record their sleep patterns, including brain waves, heart rate, eye movements, leg movements, breathing, chest movement, and oxygen levels. This process is painless and non-invasive, and the child should be able to move freely during sleep.

The setup process takes about an hour, and the child will likely fall asleep easily by the time it is complete. A sleep technician will be present at all times to monitor the child and ensure the quality of the recording. The parent or guardian can stay in the room with the child and can bring items such as a favourite toy, blanket, or pillow to make the child feel more comfortable.

After the Sleep Study

The sleep study will typically end by 5:30 or 6:30 a.m., and you will be able to go home. The results will be sent to the referring physician and are usually available within one to two weeks. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the results and any necessary treatment options.

Benefits of a Hospital Sleep Study

Hospitals are well-equipped to perform sleep studies and have the necessary technology and trained staff, including sleep technicians and specialists, to monitor your child's sleep and ensure accurate results. The hospital setting also allows for easy access to other medical services, which can be beneficial for children with complex or multiple health conditions.

At a sleep lab

Where can a child have a sleep study done?

If your child is having difficulty sleeping or you suspect a sleep disorder, a sleep study can be a useful diagnostic tool. One option for conducting a sleep study is to visit a dedicated sleep lab, where professionals can monitor your child's sleep patterns and identify any underlying issues. Here's what you need to know about having your child's sleep study performed at a sleep lab:

The Sleep Lab Environment

Sleep labs are typically located within medical facilities such as hospitals or clinics. These labs are designed to be comfortable and relaxing environments that resemble a typical bedroom as closely as possible. The sleep lab will have all the necessary equipment needed to monitor your child's sleep, including sensors, cameras, and other specialised tools. The room will be darkened and quiet to promote restful sleep.

Preparation for the Sleep Study

Before the sleep study, you will likely receive instructions from the sleep lab regarding your child's routine and preparation. This may include guidelines on nap schedules, meal timings, and any restrictions on food or drink. It's important to follow these instructions closely to ensure the study is accurate and successful. You may also need to bring your child's favourite sleep items, such as a special blanket or stuffed toy, to help them feel comfortable in the lab.

During the Sleep Study

On the day of the sleep study, your child will be made comfortable in the sleep lab bedroom. Trained technicians will attach sensors to your child's body to monitor various physiological functions during sleep, such as brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and body movements. These sensors are completely safe and non-invasive. Your child will then be allowed to sleep as the technicians observe from another room.

Results and Follow-Up

Once the sleep study is complete, the data collected will be analysed by sleep specialists. They will look for any abnormalities or disruptions in your child's sleep patterns that could indicate a sleep disorder. Results are usually provided to you and your child's doctor within a few weeks. Depending on the findings, the sleep specialists may recommend further tests or provide guidance on treatment options, such as behavioural changes or medical interventions.

At home

At-home sleep studies are a convenient and cost-effective way to evaluate your child's sleep. They are designed to detect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and can be ordered by a sleep specialist, pulmonologist, primary care physician, or other treating doctors. These tests monitor your child's vital signs, including breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and body movements.

There are two main types of at-home sleep studies: Type 3 and Type 4. Type 3 studies measure airflow, breathing effort, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate. Type 4 studies are more portable and measure only oxygen levels and heart rate. Both types require a prescription from a doctor and are typically used for children with a moderate to high risk of sleep apnea.

To get an at-home sleep study, consult your child's doctor. They can refer you to a sleep specialist, who will evaluate your child's medical history and determine if they qualify for the test. The equipment may be delivered to your home, or you may need to pick it up from a sleep centre.

The test should be conducted during your child's normal sleeping hours and in their usual sleeping position. It usually only takes one night, and your child will wear the gear to bed. The data collected will then be sent to a specialist for review. They will determine if your child has sleep apnea and recommend next steps.

At-home sleep studies offer several benefits, including convenience, flexibility, and lower costs compared to in-lab tests. However, they also have limitations, such as the absence of a technician to monitor the study and more limited data collection. In-lab sleep studies remain the gold standard for comprehensive sleep evaluation.

With a parent

Sleep studies are typically carried out in a hospital or sleep centre, and a parent or guardian is usually permitted to stay overnight with their child.

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital requires a parent or legal guardian to stay with the child throughout the sleep study. The hospital provides linens for both the child and the parent, but parents are encouraged to bring their child's favourite blanket, pillow or stuffed animal to increase their comfort. Parents must bring all personal care items, including formula, diapers, bedtime snacks and medications.

Yale Medicine

Yale Medicine has two state-of-the-art, pediatric-only sleep labs, one located at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and the other at Bridgeport Hospital. Parents can sleep in a bed next to their child if they wish. The laboratories have three private bedrooms, which are cheerfully decorated, and children are kept entertained with a TV show or movie while the monitoring equipment is applied.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia requests that a parent or legal guardian stays with their child during the sleep study. The hospital's rooms are small and can only comfortably accommodate one parent, but they will try to accommodate both parents if they are given 48 hours' notice. The hospital does not provide meals, but families are welcome to bring their own food or visit the cafeteria.

Nemours Children's Health Doctors Locations

Nemours Children's Health Doctors Locations allow one parent or guardian to stay overnight while their child undergoes a sleep study. The sleep centre provides a separate bed or sleeping chair for the parent. Parents are encouraged to bring personal items from home, such as their child's favourite pillow, blanket or stuffed animal, to help them feel comfortable.

With a physician's referral

If your child is experiencing sleep problems, a physician may refer them for a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. This is a test that records multiple systems in the body while your child sleeps, including brain activity, breathing and movements. It is a common diagnostic test that can help diagnose many sleep-related conditions.

Where to Go for a Sleep Study

Your physician will be able to recommend a sleep lab in your area and may even be able to help you schedule an appointment. Sleep studies are usually performed at a hospital or sleep centre. For example, Yale Medicine has two state-of-the-art, pediatric-only sleep labs, one located at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and the other at Bridgeport Hospital.

What to Expect

A sleep study is an overnight test that can record a variety of body functions while a child sleeps. During the study, a sleep technician will place sensors on your child's head, chin, legs, and around the eyes. They will also put an elastic belt around your child's chest and stomach to measure breathing. The sensors are connected to a computer to provide information during sleep.

How to Prepare

Before the sleep study, you should get a normal night's sleep and avoid caffeine. You should also plan to arrive at the sleep lab at least 2 hours before your child's usual bedtime, or as directed by the doctor. It is recommended that a parent or guardian stays overnight with the child. You should also bring personal items, such as a favourite pillow or blanket, to help your child feel comfortable.

Results

After the sleep study, it generally takes around 2-4 weeks for the results to be ready. The doctor will usually schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the results and any necessary treatment options.

Frequently asked questions