Overview
Sleep disturbances are often due to temporary or chronic medical problems and are seen in as many as 25 to 30 percent of infants and children. They may range from insufficient sleep, bedtime settling problems and sleepwalking to sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
Sleep disorders in children may lead to daytime moodiness, irritability, lack of focus in class, sleepiness in school, inability to get us in time for school, and significant behavioral and learning problems. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to cause adverse cardiovascular and metabolic effects as well as failure to thrive.
Each year, our Sleep Disorders Center staff manages more than 450 pediatric patient visits and performs more than 400 sleep studies.
Pediatric Sleep Disorders Staff
- »Disorders we treat
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- Bedtime struggles
- Sleepwalking
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Circadian (biological clock) rhythm disorders
- Night time awakenings
- Sleep terrors
- Headbanging
- Snoring
- Bed-wetting
- Restless legs syndrome
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- »Treatment
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Cleveland Clinic pediatric sleep specialists conduct a through medical and sleep history as well as a physical examination to identify any medical problems. At our Sleep Disorders Center, we offer a dedicated pediatric sleep laboratory for overnight sleep studies, which accommodates parents as well, so families can feel comfortable while the appropriate diagnostic tests are performed.
We also utilize actigraphy and sleep logs to help diagnose sleep disorders. Treatment includes surgery and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP; e.g. in case of obstructive sleep apnea), micronutrients, bright light therapy or medications. Behavioral techniques and adjustment of children’s sleep schedules are also coordinated for many sleep disorders.
Locations
Our staff sees patients of all ages for consultations at our main Sleep Disorders Center and at some Cleveland Clinic community hospitals and family health centers. Sleep studies are performed at the Sleep Disorders Center for children of all ages and at multiple regional sleep labs for patients ages 12 and older.
- »Informational Videos & Podcasts
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Sleep disturbances in some form are seen in as many as 30 percent of teenagers. Sleep disorders in children and adolescents may lead to daytime moodiness, irritability, lack of focus in class, sleepiness in school, inability to get up in time for school and significant behavioral and learning problems. Listen to free audio files from Cleveland Clinic’ about sleep disorders in children and adolescents.
- »Learn more
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- Read more information on healthy sleep habits for children and adolescents as well as other sleep-related conditions treated by our specialists.
- In some cases it may be necessary to observe your child's sleep in the sleep laboratory. Here, in a comfortable bedroom-like setting, and with a parent nearby, children are able to sleep without much difficulty.
