Pediatric Sleep Medicine
Definition
Pediatric sleep medicine is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of sleep disorders and disturbances in children and adolescents. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders, which can impact a child's overall health, development, and quality of life.
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Pediatric Sleep Medicine Program
Yale is the regional leader in diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep problems in infants, toddlers, children, and teens. Sleep problems can be linked to respiratory issues, or may stem from other medical, behavioral, or developmental concerns. We are dedicated to working with each family to locate the source of the child’s sleep issues, and to find a way to better sleep. No matter the cause, we will deliver comprehensive, compassionate care for each child’s sleep challenges in a warm, child-friendly environment. Our staff includes physicians who are board-certified in pediatrics, pediatric pulmonology, and sleep medicine. We are the only center in the state staffed exclusively with board-certified specialists. In addition to diagnosis and treatment of sleep issues, we provide support for patients in need of oxygen and ventilators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration and management. Nonrespiratory sleep complaints we treat include: Insomnia, including difficulties falling asleep and nocturnal awakenings Excessive daytime sleepiness Restless leg syndrome Sleep disturbance, including parasomnias (sleep walking, night terrors, nightmares, and bed wetting) Narcolepsy Respiratory sleep problems include: Obstructive sleep apnea with snoring, noisy breathing, disrupted sleep, or daytime sleepiness and/or attention problems Life-threatening eventsin infancy Respiratory complications of neuromuscular disease, including muscular dystrophy Pre- and post-operative evaluation for scoliosis, spina bifida, cleft palate, and other neurosurgical and craniofacial disordersSleep Medicine Program
We care for patients with a broad spectrum of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. We are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and evaluate, diagnose, and treat these disorders with a coordinated approach. We know that a good night of sleep matters. Other issues we treat include: Snoring Sleep apnea-related seizure disorders Circadian and shift work-related disorders Parasomnias, such as sleep walking and talking, and abnormal behavior during sleep Our internationally recognized physicians are board-certified in pulmonary critical care medicine or neurology. They also have additional certifications in sleep medicine. As an interdisciplinary program, we work closely with specialists in otolaryngology (ENT), neurology, cardiology, psychology, dentistry, and bariatric surgery. We offer a state-of-the art lab testing system to pinpoint patients’ sleep problems, as well as home sleep-testing systems. At the West Haven VA, we care for veterans, who frequently struggle with sleep issues related to posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Our VA program includes six in-hospital monitoring beds and 30 home sleep-testing units. Through our Sleep Center in the Department of Pediatrics, we treat sleep disorders in children, and manage patients with congenital disorders that impact breathing during sleep. We have a three-bed testing unit in Yale New Haven Hospital specifically designed for children that includes dedicated staff who are experienced in dealing with children and their sleep disorders.Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy, Immunology & Sleep Medicine
We care for children with a variety of allergic and immunologic disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases. Our highly specialized, board-certified clinicians diagnose and treat everything from the most common to the very rare conditions. Nasal and eye allergies Asthma Hives Medication allergy Chronic sinusitis Angioedema Hereditary angioneurotic edema Common variable immunodeficiency Secondary immune deficiencies Cystic fibrosis Sleep disorders Chronic lung disease in infants and older children Acute respiratory failure Treatments we offer include: Allergen vaccine immunotherapy (allergy shots) Asthma environmental controls and pharmacological controller therapy Intensive antihistamine regimens Biological therapy for hereditary angioneurotic edema Intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin replenishment Aspirin desensitization Desensitization to antibiotics and other medications Our services include: Pediatric pulmonary function testing:We evaluate and follow lung disease in children with a full spectrum of tests, including diffusion analysis, challenge tests, and exercise. Physicians may order a pulmonary function test by calling 203-688-4667. Bronchoscopy:Bronchoscopy is the examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue and/or fluid, and/or to help remove a foreign body. Bronchoscopies are performed in the pediatric operating room, and in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Our pulmonologists who perform this procedure have extensive experience with flexible bronchoscopy, including its use in newborns. In many cases, flexible bronchoscopy, which can be safely and comfortably performed under conscious sedation, eliminates the need for an exam under general anesthesia.