The Pediatric Sleep Program at Children’s has doctors and psychologists with advanced training in diagnosing and treating sleep problems in children.
People need enough sleep to function at their highest level. However, as many as 25 percent of children will experience sleep problems during childhood.
Sleep Clinic Behavioral Health Services
The role of the Sleep Clinic psychologist is to identify the social, environmental, developmental, and behavioral factors that can adversely affect sleep.
Adequate sleep is considered a biological necessity and is critical for optimal daytime functioning; yet, as many as 25% of children will experience some manner of sleep problem during childhood.
Treatment often begins with an initial assessment. This includes a review of the child's health records from other providers and a clinical interview with the family.
Though the interview mainly focuses on sleep, the psychologist will discuss other areas such as:
- Developmental history.
- Social and emotional behavior during daytime hours.
- Academic progress.
After assessing the child's sleep problem, the psychologist will discuss treatment options with the family.
For families that opt for behavioral intervention, treatment typically consists of two to five appointments on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Appointments are one hour.
With good attendance and adherence to treatment, it's common for families to see their child's sleep improve within the first few visits.
Sleep Clinic Behavioral Health Focus Areas
Some common concerns that Sleep Clinic psychologists treat or help manage include:
- Bedtime resistance
- Excessive nighttime awakenings
- Over-reliance on parents when falling asleep
- Sleeping too little (e.g., insomnia)
- Sleeping too much (e.g., narcolepsy)
- Nighttime fears that hinder sleep onset and maintenance
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- Recurrent, disturbing nightmares
- Sleepwalking and sleep terrors
- Inappropriate sleep schedules (e.g., delayed sleep phase)
- Adherence with medical treatments such as C-PAP
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Meet Our Sleep Clinic Behavioral Health Team
Sleep Clinic psychologists have a strong commitment to:
- Continuing medical and mental health training.
- Evidence-based practice.
- Teaching students in the behavioral health field.
