What we do
Sleep problems are common during childhood and can affect the normal growth and development of children.
A range of problems can occur relating to sleep that include:
- Sleep disordered breathing (snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea)
- Central sleep apnoea
- Insomnias
- Parasomnias (unusual behaviour in sleep)
- Circadian rhythm disorders
Here at South Tees children are referred for sleep studies from both paediatric medicine and ear, nose and throat specialists.
Sleep studies are performed overnight on weekends (Friday to Sunday), which can be especially helpful for school aged children during term time.
Sleep studies usually include one of the following:
Cardiorespiratory study
A sleep study measuring breathing patterns, oxygen levels and pulse rate of a child over the course of the night. Carbon dioxide levels can also be measured when necessary.
Polysomnography
A sleep study that in addition to the cardiorespiratory measurements described above, measures sleep cycles and stages of sleep of the course of the night.
What we treat
We see children with a range of problems including children with obstructive sleep apnoea, babies who were born prematurely who may have breathing problems when asleep, children with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular weakness,
Down syndrome or other inherited conditions and children with respiratory problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. We also provide sleep studies for the initiation, support and follow-up of non-invasive ventilation or supplemental oxygen.
Where to find us
Paediatric sleep studies are carried out in a side room, as an overnight stay, on ward 22. They are then assessed and reported in the neurophysiology department.
Referral advice
Referrals are accepted from children and young people’s medicine and ear, nose and throat.
We currently receive referrals through secondary care services only and do not yet offer a GP referral service. GPs may refer to our children and young people’s medicine or ear, nose and throat for initial assessment of sleep problems.
Sleep hygiene information for patients