Sleep Disorders in Children

Helping Children Get Restful Sleep

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Overview

A wide range of conditions may be causing children to have difficulty sleeping soundly. Troubled sleep can be caused by poor sleep habits, but it may also signal a more serious medical concern. Left untreated, children who don’t get regular, restful sleep are at risk for delayed growth and development, memory and attention issues, and behavioral problems. Our pediatric sleep disorders experts identify the cause of your child’s sleep problem and work with you and your child to ensure your entire family gets a good night’s sleep.

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Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

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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.

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Tests

Tests Overview

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 a sleep study.

Sleep Study

Description

During a sleep study, called polysomnography, your child and a parent or guardian will stay overnight in one of our sleep labs. While your child is asleep, we will monitor his or her body functions including sleep stages, eye movements, brain waves, muscle activity, breathing, body positions, and heartbeat. We are 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.

Call for an Appointment

855-855-6484

Treatments

Treatments Overview

Treatments are customized to your child’s condition and may include a combination of therapies and lifestyle changes.

Behavior Modification

Description

Many sleep disorders can be resolved with behavioral and lifestyle changes. Our child development and behavioral health specialists work with your child to overcome issues such as negative associations with sleep and poor habits that can cause sleep problems.

Medication

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Medication may be prescribed to treat problems related to your child’s sleep disorder. For example, stimulants may be prescribed if narcolepsy is diagnosed, and iron supplements may be recommended to address restless leg syndrome. Medicines to improve nasal congestion due to allergies may also help open airways while your child sleeps.

CPAP/BiPAP

Description

If your child is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) therapy can provide relief. These devices gently deliver air at varying levels of pressure through a mask to help your child breathe during sleep.

Surgery

Description

Surgery may be recommended to remove or reduce airway blockages responsible for obstructive sleep apnea in children. Surgery is performed by pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialists to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Best Children's Hospital in NC

Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center is proud to be nationally ranked in nine pediatric specialties.

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.

Reviewed: 05/17/2022