Sleep Medicine

It’s common for children to have difficulty sleeping from time to time. But when sleep problems become persistent or interfere with daytime activities, a sleep disorder may be to blame. Sleep — or the lack thereof — has a huge impact on your child’s growth and development as well as their mood. While the amount of sleep children need varies by age, what doesn’t change is the need for quality rest on a consistent basis.

Left untreated, sleep-related disorders can contribute to behavior and learning problems, and they can also increase your child’s risk for long-term health conditions, such as depression and hypertension. If you suspect your child may have a sleep-related disorder, we’re here to help.

Families turn to us because we offer:

Extensive expertise in performing pediatric sleep studies. We work in concert with MultiCare Sleep Medicine Centers, one of only a few sleep centers in Washington state with technicians experienced in conducting sleep studies for children. Sleep studies are a painless way to monitor the quantity and quality of your child’s sleep.

Personalized support from a multispecialty team. Our team includes board-certified physicians specializing in pediatric sleep disorders, pediatric neurology and pediatric pulmonology, plus pediatric registered nurses and a sleep center technician. Together, we find solutions to your child’s sleep problems.

Evaluation and treatment for the full spectrum of sleep-related disorders. We see children experiencing a variety of symptoms, from sleepwalking and sleep-talking, to sleep-related breathing problems, to excessive daytime sleepiness and more. Once a sleep disorder is diagnosed, we collaborate with you to tailor a treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, adjustments to the sleep environment, medications or medical procedures, depending on your child’s unique situation.

We look forward to meeting you and your child. Please arrive for your appointment 20 minutes early to allow ample time for checking in and filling out necessary paperwork. Families who arrive more than 15 minutes late may have to reschedule their appointment.

The following information will help you plan for your visit.

Initial appointments

During your first appointment, our sleep specialists will take a detailed health history and perform a physical exam. Depending on your child’s situation, further diagnostic testing may be necessary.

We may refer some children to a MultiCare Sleep Medicine Center for an overnight sleep study or nocturnal polysomnogram (NPSG). This painless procedure monitors and records breathing, heart rate and other bodily activity during sleep. Parents accompany children for the duration of the study.

After we make a diagnosis, together we develop a plan to improve your child’s sleep quality and then share that plan with your child’s primary care provider.

Preparing for your appointment

Following these tips can help you get the most out of your appointment.

Obtain medical records. Ask your child’s primary care provider to send chart notes, X-rays and any lab results regarding your child’s condition. If tests were performed outside of Mary Bridge Children’s or MultiCare, please bring these with you.

Bring a list of prescription drugs. Include all medications, vitamins and supplements your child is taking.

Discuss the upcoming clinic visit if your child is developmentally ready. A first appointment typically consists of a medical history and a physical exam.

Arrange care for siblings. If you are unable to arrange care, please ensure other children can engage in a quiet activity so you can focus on the visit.

Arrive 20 minutes early. Being early ensures adequate time for checking in and filling out any necessary paperwork. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may have to reschedule your appointment.

Turn off cellphones and pagers. It’s easier to focus on your child’s sleep-related concerns when communication devices are switched off. This also helps maintain a calm, quiet environment for all patients.