Information on Sleep Disorders
(Adapted from the International Classification of Sleep Disorders,  American Academy of Sleep Medicine  2006.)

PEDIATRIC SECTION

Behavioral insomnia of childhood (sleep onset type) – with this disorder falling asleep can be an extended process which often requires special conditions such as a parent being present in the bedroom, the television on, a pacifier, etc. In some cases frequent awakenings after falling asleep may occur when the special condition is no longer present such as a parent no longer being in the bedroom with the child.

Behavioral insomnia of childhood (limit setting type) – with this disorder children often stall or refuse to go to bed at the designated time. In some cases the child may awaken during the night and refuse to go back to bed. This is a common reason why children end up in bed with their parents at some point during the night.

Primary sleep apnea of infancy – in this disorder, infants demonstrate apneas (pauses in breathing) or hypopneas (shallow breathing), with physical consequences such as slowing of the heart rate or decreases in oxygen levels.

Obstructive sleep apnea, pediatric – caregivers will generally report snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, nighttime gasping or awakening, or restless sleep. In some cases just continuous snoring can be seen which is associated with shallow breathing rather than pauses. Any persistently abnormal breathing is not normal and can result in behavioral and health consequences.

Congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome – in this disorder the control center for breathing, located in the brain, does not work properly. Shallow breathing generally is present while awake but worse while asleep. This may be associated with significant decreases in oxygen levels during sleep.

Sleep enuresis – This disorder is commonly called bedwetting. Sleep enuresis can occur in association with diabetes, urinary tract infections, epilepsy, immaturity of the regulatory system, or sleep apnea.

Restless leg syndrome – this disorder is frequently missed in children. Complaints may include leg discomfort, a continuous need to move around (particularly movement of the legs), difficulty initiating sleep, or difficulty sitting still particularly in the evening hours.

Sleep related rhythmic movement disorder – some children demonstrate a repetitive, stereotyped, and rhythmic movement occurring predominately during drowsiness or sleep stage changes. This tends to involve large muscle groups such as the head or trunk.