Pediatric Sleep Medicine

We have specific expertise in diagnosing and treating children and teens who suffer from severe sleep disruptions. We recommend a sleep study if your child's sleep problems last longer than a few weeks and interfere with how he feels and functions during the day. Akron Children's Sleep Center is fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Accreditation from the AASM is voluntary and reflects our commitment to providing the highest quality care for sleep disorders.

Specialized care.

We bring together a team of pediatric neurologists, pulmonologists, developmental and behavioral pediatricians, ENT specialists and others to help children and families cope with, and often eliminate, severe sleep disruptions. Chronic lack of sleep may affect a person’s health, job or school performance, memory, mood and behavior. And if children and teens don’t get enough sleep, the entire family may be affected by disrupted sleep.

Sleep disorders are more common in children who are obese or who have craniofacial problems, neurological problems or developmental delays. These include enlarged tonsils or adenoids, malformation in the face, and conditions such as Down syndrome or spina bifida. 

We have 5 sleep testing suites, all with private bathrooms, a lounge chair and twin bed so you can stay overnight with your child. Two of the private bathrooms have showers and there is also a shared shower facility, which makes it convenient for you and your child to get ready for school or work in the morning.

Symptoms of sleep disorders.

Use this checklist to help determine if your child should have a sleep disorder evaluation.

• My child snores loudly.
• My child wakes up tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
• My child wakes with a headache.
• My child feels very sleepy or falls asleep at inappropriate times.
• My child has trouble falling asleep, wakes frequently during the night or wakes too early in the morning.
• My child has frequent upper airway infections.
• My child is irritable or has a short temper.
• My child is restless or has difficulty concentrating or remembering.
• My child fails to gain weight.
• My child performs poorly in school.
• My child has behavioral problems or learning disabilities.
• My child has high blood pressure.
• My child sweats while sleeping.
• My child sleeps in unusual positions.
• My child wets the bed.

If you checked more than 3 statements, particularly statements 1-4, your child or teen should be evaluated for a sleep disorder.

We recommend that you keep a daily sleep diary for a week or two. Write down the time your child takes naps, goes to bed, the time he wakes up, and anything that seems to affect his sleep. Share this information with her doctor and our staff.