A sleep test, also called a sleep study or polysomnogram, is a painless, straightforward overnight test that can record a variety of bodily functions while your child sleeps. They are most often ordered as part of the diagnostic process for discovering whether a child has problems breathing while asleep. This is known as sleep apnea or pediatric sleep apnea. However, they can also be useful in determining a diagnosis for periodic limb movement disorder, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy.
A sleep test is nothing to worry about, but it could be potentially very useful in helping to discover the cause of your child’s symptoms, which in turn can lead to them receiving the care that they need to overcome them. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms in children that indicate that a sleep test should be performed.
What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
Pediatric sleep apnea is the same as adult sleep apnea – a condition characterized by interruptions to the normal pattern of breathing while your child sleeps. However, unlike adults, where the most common cause of sleep apnea is obesity, the majority of children who suffer from sleep apnea do so because they have enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids which are obstructing the airway when they lay down. That said, there are also other factors that make a child more likely to experience sleep apnea, including:
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Being overweight
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Abnormalities of the skull or face
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Cerebral palsy
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Down Syndrome
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Neuromuscular disease
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Sickle cell disease
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A family history of sleep apnea
Symptoms Of Pediatric Sleep Apnea Which Indicate That A Sleep Test Could Be Needed
If your doctor or sleep specialist suspects that your child may be suffering from pediatric sleep apnea, a sleep test will confirm this. Some of the signs and symptoms that your child may exhibit during a normal night of sleep could include:
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Snoring
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Mouth breathing
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Snorting, coughing or choking
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Pauses in their regular pattern of breathing
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Sleep terrors
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Restlessness while they sleep
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Night-time sweating
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Wetting the bed
In addition to this, their poor sleep quality could also be affecting their ability to function day to day. As a result, you may also notice that your child has difficulty concentrating and paying attention in school, has learning or behavior problems, and fails to gain sufficient weight as they grow. Their performance at school could be adversely affected, and they may experience periods of hyperactivity.
Other Symptoms That Could Necessitate A Sleep Test
As we also know, a sleep test can also be used to diagnose a number of other problems. The following symptoms represent some issues that may be able to be identified during a sleep study. These include:
The Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome –
An overwhelming urge to move your legs, unpleasant crawling or creeping sensations affecting the feet, calves and thighs.
The Symptoms Of Periodic Limb Movement Disorder –
Repetitive movements in one or both legs, poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness.
The Symptoms Of Narcolepsy –
Excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of muscle tone, sleep paralysis, hallucinations.
If you are concerned about your child’s sleep or wellbeing, or if you have any questions about anything you have read here, don’t hesitate to call Dream In Del Mar at (858) 755-1166 and our team will be able to advise you if your child would benefit from a sleep test.