Pediatric Sleep Solutions

Available at Sleep Better Bend

A good night’s sleep is essential for your child’s well-being. When sleep is disrupted, children may have health, behavior and development problems. Dr. Miller, at Sleep Better Bend, will give your child or teen the most effective treatment in a caring environment.

Common Pediatric Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders happen when your child has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and if left untreated, your child may have problems functioning or may develop health problems. Learn more below:

Up to 4% of children, typically ages 2 to 8, have sleep apnea and it typically presents itself in one of two ways:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea: The most common type occurs when soft tissue at the back of the throat blocks the upper airway. This cuts off oxygen for a few seconds until the child wakes up and breathes normally.
  • Central sleep apnea: This happens when the brain stops signaling a child to breathe, sometimes for a minute or longer. It’s usually linked to other conditions that involve the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Obstructive sleep apnea and Central sleep apnea

This is when your child has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or wakes too early. Causes can be poor sleeping habits, stress or anxiety. In the U.S., 45% of adolescents don’t get enough sleep, and some may suffer from insomnia, according to National Sleep Foundation.

Insomnia in teens can be treated at Stillwater Dental Bend

This is unexplained sleepiness, with no other sleep disorder or related medical issue.

Excessive Sleepiness in young adults and children

This set of conditions is marked by abnormal movements during sleep. Doctors sometimes call it “things that go bump in the night.”

Common types include:

  • Nightmares: A child wakes from a frightening dream.
  • Sleep terrors: A sleeping child sits up screaming, shouting or kicking. The child typically doesn’t respond to voices and has no memory of the event the next morning. These are also called night terrors.
  • Sleep talking: A child talks during sleep.
  • Sleepwalking: A child walks or makes other movements while partly awake.

This is a central nervous disorder in which the brain can’t properly regulate sleep and awake cycles. It’s uncommon in children. Children with narcolepsy have poor sleep, excessive sleepiness, sleep attacks and sudden loss of muscle control. They may also have cataplexy — sudden and uncontrollable muscle weakness that causes them to collapse.

Teen Narcolepsy is a treatable condition at Stillwater Dental Bend

Does Your Child Display Signs of a Sleep Disorder?

Early correction of airway problems can help change the growth trajectory of your child – helping to prevent adult sleep apnea, preventing the need for jaw surgery later in life, and creating an environment for normal growth and development. Complete our Pediatric Sleep Assessment below and a member of our team will contact you.

Take the Pediatric Sleep Assessment

    1. Did your child have difficulty with breastfeeding?

    2. Does your child struggle with “s” and/or “r” sounds?

    3. Can your child put their tongue to the roof of their mouth comfortably?

    4. Have you heard your child snore?

    5. Have you heard your child stop breathing while sleeping?

    6. Have you heard your child grind his or her teeth?

    7. Does your child toss and turn through the night?

    8. Is there a history of bedwetting?

    9. Do you observe daytime sleepiness?

    10. Do you observe hyperactivity and/or an inability to pay attention to tasks?

    Early Pediatric Treatment is Key

    If caught and treated early, we have the ability to alter the growth trajectory and make tremendous positive changes in your child’s life. The team at Sleep Better Bend in Bend, OR will provide a diagnosis and direct you to educational resources. Together we can improve the quality of life for your child.

    Call or message us to schedule a Pediatric Sleep Consultation!

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