Sleep Disorders in Children

Alarming Statistics of Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders in Pediatrics – Baptist Sleep Disorders Center Can Help

According to recent research by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine one in four children may be under-diagnosed with sleep disorders. Could your child be one of them? The Thomas B. Williams Sleep Disorders Center at Baptist Hospital is the only facility in the area to perform diagnostics for children younger than the age of five.

As first reported last week, new research found only four percent of 150,000 children studied, from birth to age 18, were diagnosed with a disorder. This statistic is substantially less than the estimated 25 percent of children who suffer from a sleep disorder, according to other studies.

Undiagnosed disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, night terrors, sleepwalking, snoring, grinding teeth and bedwetting can impact a child’s learning, growth and development.

According to Wayne Peacock, R.P.S.G.T., sleep disorders manager at Baptist Hospital, children who have mood or school performance changes, fall asleep during the day, snore loudly or wake up repeatedly throughout the night may have sleep disorders.

“Undiagnosed sleep disorders in children can have a significant impact on them,” said Peacock. “Children are in the critical stages of development, and without proper sleep, more serious conditions can develop.”

Peacock suggests parents who are concerned their child may have a sleep disorder keep personal records of the child’s behavior and sleeping habits and first consult their pediatrician. A sleep study and referral to a sleep disorders center may be recommended.

The Baptist Sleep Disorders Center offers a peaceful, state-of-the-art center with private rooms, personal restrooms, comfortable furnishings and sleeping accommodations for parents. The facility accepts all insurances, including Medicaid and is open six nights a week.

Take the online sleep disorders screening or call (850) 469-7042 for more information.

Children’s Sleep – Should your child have a sleep study?

Signs and Symptoms

Night

• Teeth grinding
• Difficulty waking in the morning
• Frequent awakenings
• Difficulty falling asleep
• "Unusual" sleep behaviors (walking, talking, etc.)
• Enuresis (bed-wetting)

Day

• Falling asleep in class
• Poor concentration
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability
• Growth or development delays
• Mood changes
• Increased accidents/injuries
• Behavior problems

Sleep Tips For Kids

1. Go to bed at the same time each night.
2. Try to get at least 10 hours of sleep each night.
3. Limit caffeine; avoid after lunch time.
4. Eat a light snack before bed. Try not to have "heavy" meals right before bedtime.
5. Avoid television and video games just before going to bed. Allow relaxation time. Books are a good way to unwind.
6. A comfortable room is best for sleeping. Not too bright, noisy, hot or cold.

Baptist Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center has state of the art facilities that accommodate our youngest patients. We believe that part of being comfortable is having a parent right there with you every step of the process.

Some sleep disorders require an overnight stay at our sleep center. Others will consist of a meeting with our sleep specialist and taking steps at home to experience better sleep for your child and in some cases, the entire family.