Our Pediatric Sleep Program

Helping Children Get a Good Night's Sleep

The National Capital Sleep Center at Suburban Hospital offers the latest in sleep technology and diagnosis for children ages 2 and older in a warm, childfriendly environment. At the Sleep Center, a pediatric sleep specialist will see your child and evaluate his or her sleep-related symptoms. If necessary, an overnight study is scheduled. The pediatric sleep specialist is able to scientifically assess your child’s sleep disorders through a number of tests. Tests are noninvasive and painless and parents can stay with their children throughout the night. Please note: Your child will need a physician’s referral before a sleep test can be conducted.

Does your child exhibit any of the following behaviors?

• Snoring
• Mouth breathing
• Breathing pauses
• Frequent awakenings
• Restless sleep
• Sleep disturbances
• More than normal daytime sleepiness
• Leg twitching or kicking at night
• Difficulty waking up in the morning
• Negative changes in school performance
• Unfocused or impulsive behavior

If one or more of these conditions applies to your child (within the past 6 months), you may want to discuss your child's sleep with your physician.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children who snore should be screened for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA. OSA occurs when the airway is partially or completely blocked during sleep, during which time the body's oxygen levels can fall, and carbon dioxide levels can rise. This can result in poor brain oxygenation, fragmented sleep, frequent arousals, and may, if left untreated, be harmful to the heart and lungs. Statistics on snoring and OSA show that

• 10% to 12% of children snore during sleep.
• 20% to 30% of children and adolescents who snore have OSA.
• OSA is a serious condition that occurs in 1% to 3% of otherwise healthy preschool children.

Other Common Sleep Disorders

Enuresis (Bedwetting) — Bedwetting can be normal, but may be related to a sleep disorder if it persists beyond age 4. It is considered significant if there are at least two episodes a month at age 5 or 6, or one episode a month at age 7.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder — Involuntary movements or jerks of the leg muscles during sleep. These shin and leg muscle contractions are rare in children, but if present may significantly disrupt sleep efficiency.

Parasomnias (Sleep Walking, Sleep Talking, Sleep Terrors) — These conditions represent partial awakening from sleep resulting in a range of problems, from quietly sitting up in bed to violent screaming. There are many different sub types of these problems, occurring at different sleep stages and at different ages.

Nightmares — Often occur at times of transition, stress or change in a child's routine. They usually occur later in the night and are remembered the next day.

Narcolepsy — Usually beginning in puberty or late teenage years, this condition is a serious disorder in which sleep and wakefulness crossover during the day, resulting in a range of problems from excessive daytime sleepiness and urges to sleep, to loss of muscle tone and falling down, and vivid or unusual dreams at sleep onset.

Restless Legs Syndrome — An unpleasant sensation often described as a tingling, creep-crawly, burning or restless feeling that occurs when sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime.

Did you know children who get enough sleep are less prone to behavior problems and moodiness?

It's true. They often develop better memory, concentration, and longer attention spans. With plenty of sleep, they may also recover from illness faster. Growth spurts are accelerated during sleep, as the human growth hormone is released.

• Some good sleep inducers include:
• Regular bedtime routine – bath, bedtime story, brushing teeth (the same way every night);
• Eat light snacks – not heavy eating;
• Read a book;
• Give favorite stuffed animal or blanket;
• Sing lullabies;
• Recall events from the day;
• Talk about feelings;
• Say prayers and "good-nights;"
• Talk about dreams or plans for the next day.

For More Information

To learn more about the pediatric sleep services, call 301.896.3939. To schedule an appointment, call 301.896.3039. The National Capital Sleep Center is affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Medical Director
James Yan, MD, PhD
Board Certified in Sleep Medicine

Associate Medical Director, Pediatrics
Stuart Tomares, MD
Board Certified in Pediatric Pulmonology