Setting Up a Pediatric Sleep Lab

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in a significant proportion of children and adolescents and requires a sleep study to diagnose the condition. However, there are relatively few sleep laboratories that serve this population. Consequently, this means sleep studies are not done in a timely manner, and many of these patients do not get studies performed when indicated. Building new pediatric-focused sleep laboratories or expanding service in an adult-focused laboratory to children can help overcome this barrier. The decision to build or modify an existing sleep laboratory for children brings many considerations that are different than for adults. The location of the laboratory is partially determined by the need for the presence of a sleep technologist. Whether they are done in the community or a hospital will be affected by the patient's medical complexity. The design of the sleep laboratory can also be influenced by the presence of children. All children, under 18 years of age, will require a parent to sleep in the room with them. Safety will also be impacted. For example, electric outlets need to be protected, furniture should be child safe, and transportation to emergency facilities must be managed. In addition, service to children also raises technical issues. They require different types of leads and smaller equipment and the software must meet required pediatric specifications. The staff must understand pediatric developmental, social, and medical needs. It is also critical that they have a desire to work with children. This article is written to assist the reader in building a sleep laboratory with the pediatric patient in mind.