EPISODE 80 OF AIRWAY FIRST: PART 2 - SLEEP LAB / SLEEP STUDY FOR KIDS SERIES

Episode 80 of the Airway First podcast is now out! This is part two of our three-part sleep series. You can catch this and all other episodes on Apple, SoundCloud, Podbean, RSS, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. And don't forget to check us out on YouTube!

My guest today is Dmitry Spektor, RPSGT, CCSH. Dmitry is a registered sleep technologist with over 20 years of experience in all aspects of sleep disorder medicine, sleep research, and clinical trials.

He is the Sleep Lab Operations Manager for Pediatric Sleep Specialists in Texas (offices available in Texas and Colorado). Previously, he was the Lead Sleep Technologist for Memorial Hermann Hospital and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

You can learn more about Dmitry via his LinkedIn profile here.

Show Notes

• Dmitry Spektor, RPSGT, CCSH

• Pediatric Sleep Specialists

• Texas Society of Sleep Professionals

UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF AN IN-LAB SLEEP STUDY FOR CHILDREN

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a non-invasive test that helps diagnose sleep disorders in children. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens during an in-lab sleep study so you and your child know what to expect:

1. Arrival and Check-In

Your appointment usually begins in the evening. Upon arrival, you'll meet the sleep technician, who will guide you and your child through the process. The technician will explain each step, answer any questions, and help ensure your child feels comfortable.

2. Set-Up

Your child will be prepared for the test in a cozy, bedroom-like environment. Small sensors will be gently attached to their head, face, chest, and legs using mild adhesive or soft bands. These sensors monitor brain activity, breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, and muscle movements while they sleep.

3. Getting Settled

To make the environment feel more familiar, your child can bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, iPad, or bedtime story. The technician will give you time to help your child relax and settle into bed.

4. The Sleep Study Begins

Once your child falls asleep, the equipment records detailed data throughout the night. The technician monitors the readings from a nearby room, ensuring the sensors remain in place and making necessary adjustments.

5. Morning Wrap-Up

The sensors are removed in the morning, and your child can get ready to leave. The entire process is painless, and your child can resume normal activities that day.

6. Reviewing the Results

After the study, a sleep specialist will analyze the data and provide a detailed report. This report helps identify any sleep issues, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or other disorders and guides treatment options tailored to your child’s needs.

In-lab studies typically yield the best results; however, with children, the biggest hurdle comes with making them feel comfortable. Understanding these steps can help your child feel more at ease and prepared for their sleep study. This vital test provides critical insights to improve your child’s health and well-being.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR AN IN-LAB SLEEP STUDY

Helping your child understand what to expect during a sleep test can make the experience more relaxing and improve the overall outcome. A great way to prepare them is to involve them in the process and familiarize them with the different aspects of the study beforehand.

To assist with this, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips and suggestions you can start working with your child on as soon as you make the appointment with the sleep center. These tips may help your child feel more comfortable and ready for their sleep test:

1. Start talking about the appointment a month to a few weeks before it. Show your child photos online (ones where the children are relaxed and laughing) to help them understand the procedure.

2. Make sure they understand this is painless and that no needles are involved. Watch videos about going to the doctor from The Wiggles, Daniel Tiger, or others to help them become more comfortable with the upcoming appointment.

3. Ask the lab for samples of tubes and sensors, like the oxygen nose canular. The more you expose your child to these items, the less scary they become. You can also find these items on Amazon.

4. Ask to tour the sleep center before your child's appointment.

5. Practice putting on bandaids with your child. This will get them used to having things put on and off their skin --- like they will do with the sensors in the sleep lab.

6. Move your child to a consistent sleep schedule. This will assist with the accuracy of the sleep test.

7. If your child still takes naps, do not skip the nap on the day of the sleep test. Keep their sleep schedule, including naps, consistent. Skipping a nap will most likely impact their behavior and ability to sleep soundly.

8. Bathe your child ahead of time and let them wear their favorite PJs. Avoid putting lotion on, as it can impact the adhesive of the sensors. Also, bring a second pair of PJs—just in case.

9. Let your child bring blankets, stuffed animals, an iPad, a book, or their favorite pillow to the sleep lab. This will help them feel more comfortable and have a more accurate sleep test. You can also bring along a bedtime snack or book to read them before they fall asleep.

10. If your child takes medications at night or first thing in the morning, bring them with you. The sleep center will not disperse the medications, but you can give them to your child as normal. The key is to keep things as consistent as possible.

The Children's Airway First Foundation Resource library has information that can help identify symptoms and provide guidance on the first steps towards helping your child with an airway and sleep disorder.

As with any medical condition, consult your child's pediatrician should you see any of these symptoms in your child or suspect your child suffers from an airway disorder.