Sleep Disorders

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, sleep problems are quite common in children. A distinction must be drawn, however, between abnormal sleep disorders—like sleep apnea and narcolepsy, which require medical attention and in some cases surgery—and behavior-based sleep problems, which a child often outgrows or which can be solved through specific techniques or parental interventions.

If you believe your child might have a sleep disorder, you should see your pediatrician, who may suggest a visit to our Sleep Center. Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Sleep Center offers a variety of tests for diagnosing most sleep disorders. As your child sleeps in comfortable surroundings, various body functions and measurements are recorded. After the sleep study, the sleep physician will make recommendations to your child’s pediatrician.

Treatment may include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), medication, weight loss, sleep pattern changes, dental appliances, or surgery. A physician must refer all patients to the Sleep Center. For appointment scheduling or additional information, please call (847) 535-6189.