It is vital for pediatricians to have a basic understanding of sleep physiology so they can offer initial assessment and management of common sleep complaints that present to their practice, reports AAP News.
Once a child’s sleep habits and schedule have been assessed, investigating sleep quality is indicated as poor sleep quality can influence wakefulness. This may manifest as daytime sleepiness, behavioral problems or academic difficulties.
The Academy recommends that routine child health screening include assessment for possible sleep-disordered breathing (Marcus CL, et al. Pediatrics. 2012;130:576-584). Common symptoms with which obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can present include snoring, apneic pauses and restless sleep.
