Treating sleep disorders in children and teens
Pediatric sleep medicine doctors at Ascension sites of care deliver personalized care to help improve the quality of your child's sleep.
Treating sleep disorders in children and teens
As a parent, you are often the first to notice when your child’s sleep routine affects their emotional and physical health. Pediatric specialists at Ascension-affiliated children’s hospitals and sites of care are here to help. Our care team starts by listening to understand your concerns about your child’s sleep. Then, we work with you to create a care plan that’s right for your child and your family. Pediatric sleep medicine doctors specialize in diagnosing sleep disorders and sleep-related breathing problems. We provide breathing tests and sleep studies designed for children and teens.
Common childhood sleep disorders and symptoms
Our pediatric sleep specialists and care teams diagnose and treat sleep disorders in infants, children and teens, including:
- Adolescent delayed sleep-wake syndrome: A teenager’s sleep cycle naturally shifts to include a later start time. Sleep problems occur when your teen can’t get to sleep even if they want to. Being sleep deficient affects concentration, energy levels and may increase their risk for developing anxiety, depression and other health concerns.
- Behavioral insomnia: Mental health conditions and medications can affect a young child’s willingness to stick to a sleep schedule. We help families control possible triggers, from bedtime fears to managing screen time and food and drink before sleeping.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: In children, sleep apnea is often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids blocking the airways to the lungs. Many of these children breathe through their mouths when sleeping and snore. A disruptive sleep experience can affect your child’s mood and physical health. And may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, frequent ear and throat infections, and affect how your child grows.
Other signs of sleep problems in children, may include:
- Events during sleep, such as bedwetting, nightmares or sleepwalking
- Problems sleeping through the night
- Restless legs (and pain) during sleep
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding
- Trouble falling asleep
- Trouble staying awake during the day
- Unusual sleeping positions, arching the neck
Sleep studies and treatments for children
Overnight pediatric sleep studies analyze your child’s brain, heart and lung function while they are sleeping. Sleep study data are reviewed by a sleep medicine doctor. We explain how your child’s sleep patterns are affecting other body systems and provide non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Our thorough evaluation also looks at triggers that may be disrupting a good night sleep and how to modify your child’s sleep routine. Managing a sleep disorder can help prevent sleep-related conditions affecting the heart, lungs, brain, and emotional health.
Get a second opinion on treatment for your child's sleep disorder
There’s a lot to think about when your child has a sleep disorder. Getting a second opinion provides more information about your child’s condition. And, it can help increase your confidence in your child’s care plan. Ask if a virtual visit is an option for your child’s second opinion consultation.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.