Sleep Disorders that Affect Children
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Sleep disorders that affect children cover a broad range of conditions including:
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Night terrors
- Obstructive sleep apnea (may be caused by an obstruction or blockage in the airways that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, and may be treated by pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialists, also called otolaryngologists)
- Poor sleep habits that require behavioral and lifestyle modifications
- Sleepwalking
Less commonly, difficulty falling asleep or staying awake may be a sign of movement disorders, such as restless leg syndrome or head banging.
Pediatric Sleep Disorders Specialists
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Depending on the reason behind your child’s sleep issues, they may be treated by one or more of our pediatric specialists. These experts in child development and behavioral health, neurology, pulmonology, and otolaryngology work together to provide the best care for your child.
Board-Certified Experts
Our sleep doctors have completed specialized, additional training to earn board certification in sleep medicine. In addition to providing ongoing education to parents about their child’s sleep problems, our experts contribute to national discussions and publications on pediatric sleep problems. These include sleep disorders associated with rare diseases and sleep-related problems that occur among children with chronic conditions.
Family and Support Services
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We know how stressful diagnostic testing and medical appointments can be as you pursue solutions for your child’s sleep problems. Through our support services, we hope to make your family’s time at Duke a positive, welcoming, and comfortable experience.
Child Life Specialists
Doctor visits and hospitals can be overwhelming and sometimes scary for children. Our child life specialists explain procedures in ways your child can understand, offer encouragement and emotional support, and use fun activities to help your child relax.
Care Coordinators and Social Workers
We help you navigate the medical system and coordinate the variety of health services your child may need. Care coordinators and social workers can help you communicate with insurance providers, find resources, and manage details related to your child’s care.