When sleep is elusive, our care is exclusive

Sleep disorders are extremely common and affect the quality of all your child’s waking hours. They can cause worry, frustration and anger. But rest assured, at Children’s Minnesota, we know when something is normal and when it is concerning.

As one of only a handful of pediatric programs nationally accredited by the National Academy of Sleep Medicine, we diagnose and treat all types of sleep problems, including:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) characterized by noisy breathing or snoring causing frequent sleep related arousals
• Night terrors
• Sleep walking
• Insomnia
• Sleep phase shifts
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Frequent night time awakenings
• Bedwetting
• Narcolepsy
• Head banging and rocking

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recently recommended that all children with Down syndrome have a polysomnogram before 4 years of age to rule out obstructive sleep apnea/sleep disordered breathing.

Advantages that set us apart

Thoroughly troubleshooting sleep disorders requires knowledge of specialized diagnostic services, which we regularly provide:

• Polysomnogram. A multichannel recording of brain waves, respiration, limb movements and other body functions  during sleep
• Actigraphy. A device that’s worn (a watch) that records information about muscle motion, sleep quantity and sleep quality
• Multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT). Nap study following an overnight polysomnogram to check for narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness
• Positive airway pressure (PAP) titration studies. Overnight polysomnogram with the addition of positive pressure therapy to determine the correct equipment settings for use in the home
• Esophageal pH recordings and Impedance pH recordings. 18-24 hour recordings to diagnose acid reflux that may be done with the polysomnogram or as an isolated recording (only esophageal pH)

After comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, we offer ongoing clinical support for your sleep management plan. Our sleep nurses answer your questions, and facilitate management of home equipment that helps treat sleep disordered breathing. Our clinical treatment services include:

• Behavioral therapy support
• Biofeedback service
• Sleep disorder medication management
• Positive airway pressure (PAP) desensitization 
• Positive airway pressure (PAP) home management 

And as an organization dedicated to family-centered care, we offer many child and family services and resources, such as interpretive services.