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Sleep Medicine

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Overview

Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s pediatric sleep medicine team is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care to children with sleep disorders. Our care team is comprised of board-certified pediatric sleep specialists, pediatric pulmonologists, allergy-immunologists and child psychiatrists all specially trained to care for the developmental and unique needs of children.

For sleep concerns, children from infancy through college-age can be referred for an evaluation or an initial consultation with a Yale Medicine pediatric sleep physician at one of our Pediatric Specialty Centers.

Children may benefit from an overnight sleep study (polysomnography) at one of our pediatric sleep centers to pinpoint the cause of their symptoms. Our sleep centers offer child-friendly rooms and advanced monitoring equipment. Every overnight study is supervised by a specially trained pediatric sleep technologist, and results of the study are interpreted by a pediatric sleep physician.

Conditions We Treat

We diagnose and treat pediatric patients with the following symptoms and conditions:

Non-respiratory sleep issues:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Insomnia, including difficulties falling asleep or awakenings at night
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Sleep disturbance including sleepwalking, night terrors, nightmares and bedwetting

Respiratory sleep issues:

  • Suspected obstructive sleep apnea with snoring, noisy breathing, disrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness and/or attention problems
  • Determination of respiratory needs for oxygen and ventilator support
  • Medical conditions with increased risk for respiratory issues; Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Apnea due to prematurity, RDS.
  • Pre- and post-operative evaluation for scoliosis, spina bifida, cleft palate and other neurosurgical and craniofacial disorders
  • Positive Airway Pressure titration including continuous (CPAP), Bi-Level (BiPAP) and other modalities
  • Respiratory complications of neuromuscular disease

Overnight Sleep Studies

Overnight pediatric sleep studies are offered at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s campuses in New Haven and Bridgeport, and Greenwich Hospital.

During a sleep study, special equipment tracks breathing, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, brain waves, muscle activity, eye movements and snoring. A pediatric sleep technologist monitors your child to ensure comfort and safety. Results are interpreted by a pediatric sleep physician and shared with the referring pediatrician along with treatment recommendations.

At our Sleep Centers, sleep technologists are specially trained to help children feel comfortable and are experienced in supporting kids with developmental needs. If helpful, a visit can be arranged to the Sleep Center before the study, so your child knows what to expect. For overnight studies, one parent or guardian must stay with their child. We encourage children to bring a favorite toy or blanket to make the experience more comfortable.

A physician referral is required to schedule an overnight pediatric sleep study. 

Pediatric Sleep Study: Parent FAQs

As a parent or caregiver, when your child is referred for a sleep study, you may have questions. Below are answers to the most common ones to help you and your child feel prepared and comfortable.

What is a sleep study, and why does my child need one?

A sleep study helps us understand how your child sleeps. It looks at things like breathing, snoring, oxygen levels and movements during the night. Your doctor ordered this test to learn how to best support your child’s health.

Can I stay with my child during their overnight sleep study?

Yes. A parent or guardian (only one person) must stay overnight with their child during their overnight sleep study. You sleep in the same room as your child. A parent cot is provided.

Can you provide any tips to help me, and my child prepare for the overnight sleep study?

  • We encourage you to bring items that will help your child feel comfortable; their favorite pajamas or stuffie, an electronic device or a cozy blanket.
  • Remember to bring any medications your child normally takes. (We do not have access to medications).
  • Your child and you should eat dinner prior to arriving for the sleep study.

What if my child can’t sleep?

Don’t worry- many kids take a little time to fall asleep with the sensors.

What if my child wakes up during the night?

It’s normal for your child to wake up during the night. The technologist will be nearby all night and can help if your child needs anything. You can also comfort your child as needed.

What if my child is sick on the day of the study?

If your child has a fever, bad cold or contagious illness, please call us. We may need to reschedule so your child can rest and recover at home.

How many sensors are placed on my child for the study?

There will be 8-10 sensors that are connected to wires placed on their head. The sensors are applied with a washable paste. Two sensors are placed behind their ears, five on their face in addition to a nasal cannula. Three EKG wires will be placed on their chest and belly. Two belts will be fastened around their chest and abdomen. Two wires will be placed on each leg. An oxygen saturation probe will be placed on either the child’s finger or toe.

There will be paste residue in your child’s hair when the sensors are removed in the morning. We’ll do our best to remove excess paste but your child will need to bathe when they get home. Warm water and soap is the best way to dissolve the residue. The Sleep Center does not have a shower.

When will we receive the results of the sleep study?

The results of your child’s study are reviewed by a Yale Medicine sleep specialist. Your pediatrician or primary physician who referred your child for the study will receive the results in approximately three weeks from the date of the study. Please call or make an appointment with your referring provider who will talk through the results with you.

Can my child have the sleep study completed without a parent/guardian present? Or can I leave my child at the sleep center to get food?

No. Although the sleep study is in the hospital we are an outpatient center. The parent or guardian is responsible for the care of their child. Children under the age of 18 cannot be left unattended by their parent or guardian at any time during the sleep study.

Parking and arrival at Sleep Center in New Haven

Please plan to arrive at the hospital at 7 pm. There is a flat parking fee of $9.00.

When you arrive at the 20 York Street entrance, please tell the parking valet you are here for a sleep study.

After parking, please walk into the main entrance and let the front desk know you are here for a sleep study. The front desk ambassador will call to notify the Sleep Center, and a technician will come to greet you. A technician will be available to greet you at or after 7 pm.

Parking and arrival at Bridgeport Campus

Please plan to arrive at the hospital at 7 pm. Parking is free

When you arrive at 267 Grant Street, park in the Agnes & Ernie Kaulbach Parking garage. Visitor parking on level 3. Please walk through the walking bridge from the garage into the hospital and take the escalator down to the lobby. The front desk ambassador will call to notify the Sleep Center, and a technician will come to greet you. A technician will be available to greet you at or after 7 pm.

Parking and arrival at Greenwich Hospital

If your appointment is BEFORE 8 pm, park in the Greenwich Hospital visitors’ parking. Parking is available beneath the hospital. When you enter the underground facility, bear to the RIGHT (Helmsley Parking). Note your level, they are color coded.

Take the elevator to the FIRST FLOOR, bear to the right and go to Admitting. After you sign in, you will be taken or directed to the Sleep Center for your Sleep Study.

If your appointment is AFTER 8 pm, all the doors to the hospital are locked except for the entrance to the Emergency Department. You must proceed to the Emergency Department entrance on Lake Avenue. For GPS use 38 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830. The entrance to the Emergency Department is opposite 38 Lake Avenue.

Patient Resources

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Your Visit at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital

What you need to know to plan for your visit to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital including directions and parking.
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