INFANT & TODDLER SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep Problems in Infants and Toddlers Are Not Just "Bad Habits"

When a young child snores, struggles to breathe at night, wakes repeatedly, or resists sleep night after night -- it is not always a parenting issue. Many children under age 6 have underlying neurological or airway conditions that require evaluation by a specialist.

Houston Specialty Clinic is an AASM-accredited pediatric sleep center with particular expertise in infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children -- the age group that most adult-focused sleep centers are not equipped to evaluate or treat.

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WHY YOUNG CHILDREN ARE DIFFERENT

Young children require a different approach to sleep evaluation than older children or adults. Home sleep tests -- commonly used for adults -- are not appropriate for children under age 6. In-lab polysomnography performed by trained pediatric sleep technicians is the gold standard for accurate diagnosis in this age group.

At Houston Specialty Clinic, every sleep study in young children is performed in our AASM-accredited facility and interpreted by Dr. Joshua Rotenberg, MD -- a board-certified sleep medicine specialist with 20+ years of experience managing neurological and sleep disorders in children.

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CONDITIONS WE EVALUATE AND TREAT

Sleep-Disordered Breathing & Sleep Apnea

Snoring, mouth breathing, pauses in breathing, and restless sleep are common signs of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause in this age group. Early diagnosis prevents developmental, behavioral, and cardiovascular complications.

Signs to watch for in your child:

• Loud snoring or noisy breathing during sleep

• Pauses, gasps, or choking sounds while asleep

• Mouth breathing at night or during the day

• Restless sleep -- frequent position changes

• Sweating heavily during sleep

• Bedwetting in a previously toilet-trained child

• Behavioral problems, hyperactivity, or poor attention that may be misdiagnosed as ADHD

Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood

One of the most common sleep disorders in toddlers and preschoolers. Children have difficulty falling asleep independently, require a parent present to fall asleep, or wake repeatedly during the night seeking parental comfort. This is a treatable condition -- not simply a behavioral phase.

Night Terrors and Parasomnias

Episodes of screaming, thrashing, sleepwalking, or confusion during sleep can be frightening for parents. These parasomnias are common in young children and are usually benign -- but occasionally require evaluation to rule out nocturnal seizures, which can look identical to parasomnias in this age group.

Dr. Rotenberg's dual expertise in epilepsy and sleep medicine makes Houston Specialty Clinic uniquely qualified to distinguish between parasomnias and seizure activity in young children -- a distinction that requires both EEG expertise and sleep medicine training.

Restless Sleep and Restless Legs Syndrome

Children as young as 2 can experience restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) -- conditions frequently missed because children cannot articulate their symptoms. "Growing pains" in the legs, difficulty settling at bedtime, and kicking during sleep are common presentations.

Narcolepsy and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

While more commonly diagnosed in older children and adolescents, narcolepsy can begin in early childhood. Unexplained sleepiness, cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness with emotion), or "sleep attacks" during the day warrant evaluation.

ALTE and BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Events)

Unexplained apnea or breathing events in infants require careful evaluation. Our team has experience evaluating infants with apparent life-threatening events and brief resolved unexplained events, including the role of underlying neurological conditions.

Sleep in Children with Neurological Conditions

Children with autism, epilepsy, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and rare neurogenetic conditions have significantly higher rates of sleep disorders. Sleep disruption worsens neurological symptoms -- treating sleep often meaningfully improves a child's overall neurological function.

WHAT TO EXPECT: YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP STUDY

Many parents are anxious about bringing a young child in for an overnight sleep study. We have performed hundreds of sleep studies in children under age 6 and have designed our process to be as comfortable as possible for both children and parents.

BEFORE THE STUDY

• We provide detailed preparation instructions

• Children may bring a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or comfort item

• A parent or caregiver stays with the child throughout the entire study

• We recommend arriving in pajamas if that helps your child feel comfortable

DURING THE STUDY

• Sensors are applied gently by our pediatric-trained sleep technicians -- this is not painful

• Sensors monitor breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, brain activity, leg movements, and body position

• Parents sleep in the room with young children

• Studies typically begin between 8-9pm and conclude by 6am

AFTER THE STUDY

• Results are interpreted by Dr. Rotenberg personally

• A follow-up appointment is scheduled to discuss findings and treatment recommendations

• If your child has a pediatrician or ENT, we coordinate directly with their team

WHY CHOOSE HOUSTON SPECIALTY CLINIC

• AASM-Accredited -- the gold standard in sleep medicine accreditation, ensuring the highest quality studies and interpretations

• Pediatric-Only Focus -- our sleep center sees children exclusively. Young children are not treated as small adults here.

• Dual Neurology and Sleep Expertise -- Dr. Rotenberg holds board certification in both Neurology and Sleep Medicine. For young children where the line between seizures and sleep disorders is blurry, this dual expertise is critical.

• Three Houston Locations -- Frostwood/Memorial City, Sugar Land, and our dedicated Fannin Sleep and EEG Center at 7505 Fannin Street

• Accepts UnitedHealthcare, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and most major insurance plans

WHEN TO SEEK EVALUATION

Contact us if your child under age 6 has any of the following:

• Snoring three or more nights per week

• Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep

• Difficulty falling asleep without a parent present beyond 18 months of age

• Waking more than twice per night after 6 months

• Excessive daytime sleepiness or napping beyond typical developmental expectations

• Episodes of screaming, sleepwalking, or confusion during sleep

• Bedwetting after age 5 combined with snoring

• Behavioral or attention problems suspected to be related to poor sleep

• A neurological condition (autism, epilepsy, ADHD) with associated sleep difficulty

REFERRING PHYSICIANS

We welcome referrals from pediatricians, ENTs, and other specialists for pre- and post-operative sleep studies, diagnostic polysomnography, and complex pediatric sleep evaluations.

Fax referrals to: 713-465-4522 Phone: 713-464-4107 Fannin Sleep and EEG Center: 713-395-0470

Typical appointment availability within 2-3 weeks. Urgent evaluations accommodated when clinically indicated.

CONTACT AND APPOINTMENTS

Houston Specialty Clinic Frostwood/Memorial City | Sugar Land | Fannin Sleep Center

Phone: 713-464-4107 Fax: 713-465-4522 Fannin Sleep Center: 713-395-0470

Request an appointment online or call us directly. We accept UnitedHealthcare, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and most major insurance plans.

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