Our Pediatric Sleep Disorders Team
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Depending on the cause of your child’s sleep issues, they may be treated by one or more of our pediatric sleep disorders experts, including:
- Pediatric sleep specialists
- Child development and behavioral health specialists
- Neurologists
- Pulmonologists
- Otolaryngologists
- Craniofacial surgeons
- Nutritionists
We work together with you and your child’s primary care provider to create and maintain an effective treatment plan.
Board-Certified Experts
Our pediatric sleep specialists completed additional, specialized training to earn board certification in sleep medicine. In addition to educating 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 in children with chronic conditions.
Sleep Evaluation and Sleep Studies
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A comprehensive evaluation by our team of experts may uncover the cause of your child’s sleep disorder and start them on the path to treatment and better sleep. Our team will review your child’s medical history, perform a physical exam, and discuss your child’s home routines, school success, and relationships. Diagnosis may also require an overnight sleep study.
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During a sleep study, called polysomnography, your child and a parent or guardian will stay overnight in our specialized sleep laboratory. While your child is asleep, we will monitor their body functions including sleep stages, eye movements, brain waves, muscle activity, breathing, body positions, and heartbeat. Our sleep lab is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, a designation that recognizes our commitment to quality diagnostic services and successful long-term management of sleep disorders.
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 can 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.
