Specialized Care for Children with Sleep Disorders
The sleep medicine team at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s treats a wide range of childhood sleep disorders, from the common to the complex. With expert diagnosis and treatment, we offer proven, evidence-based methods to help children achieve quality sleep.
Schedule an Appointment with a Pediatric Sleep Specialist
To make an appointment with a pediatric sleep medicine expert, call 1-844-710-6928 today.Why Choose UH Rainbow?
For many years, UH Rainbow physicians have been at the forefront of pediatric sleep medicine research. Our work has elevated the standard of care for children with snoring and other sleep issues in Ohio and around the globe. In addition, we are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Children’s Hospital in Pulmonology – the specialty practiced by many of our pediatric sleep medicine experts. Our multidisciplinary sleep medicine team comprises pediatric specialists, pulmonologists, clinical behavioral psychologists, advanced practice nurses and technicians. We see patients at a number of convenient close-to-home locations.
Treating the Full Spectrum of Sleep Problems in Children
UH Rainbow sleep experts are experienced in treating the full range of childhood sleep disorders.
Diagnosing and Treating Childhood Sleep Disorders
With a comprehensive evaluation, our team of sleep specialists will determine possible causes of the problem and if a sleep study is appropriate for further diagnosis. We aim to improve the sleep health of our young patients and their families.
A Team Approach to Care
Your child may have difficulty getting restful sleep due to other health concerns. Therefore, our team works closely with pediatric specialists at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s to provide help for patients with various conditions, including:
- Craniofacial conditions
- Genetic disorders
- Neuromuscular issues
- Seizures and other neurological conditions
- Behavioral and developmental challenges
- Psychiatric disorders
We work with all pediatric specialists at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s, as well as other area providers such as community dentists and orthodontists, to determine the best treatment options for your child’s condition. Treatments may include orthodontia assistance to help airways grow better.
Behavioral Sleep Medicine
Often, sleep problems in children and adolescents are rooted in psychological, developmental, or behavioral issues. Our team can identify and address these issues and help children improve sleep quality with specialized behavioral therapy techniques. Our licensed clinical psychologist is certified in behavioral sleep medicine, earning the distinctive Diplomate status, and has special training in the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat sleep disorders in children.
Learn moreSleep Recommendations by Age
Based on data from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the minimal amount of sleep that is recommended for optimal health may be surprising to some parents. Physicians from our team were on the national task force that developed these recommendations as follows:
- For infants 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours of sleep, including naps
- Children 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including naps
- Children 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours of sleep, including naps
- Children 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours of sleep
- Teens 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours of sleep
Sleep Studies
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Pediatric Sleep Center performs comprehensive family-friendly overnight and daytime sleep studies in an environment that is comfortable for children and their families. These studies monitor a child’s breathing, brainwaves and muscle movements during sleep to reveal specific sleep issues and determine the best treatment.
Sleep Research & Clinical Trials
Our team is leading the way for improvements in sleep medicine standards. We are on national committees to better identify sleep issues and sleep disturbances. In addition, we are leaders in national research and clinical trials for sleep medicine.
School Start Times and Sleep Patterns
With nationally recognized expertise in sleep medicine, our team is instrumental in the discussion of how school start times affect sleep patterns in children of all ages. Early start times, especially in Ohio, are a significant source of sleep loss for teens and middle age children given the biological change in their sleep clocks. As advocates for an adjustment in school start times, many professional organizations have recommended more appropriate school start times that allow children to obtain the necessary rest for both optimal health and improved performance at school.