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Children's Sleep Study

Children's Sleep Study - Virtua
The sleep technicians will begin the set up for your child's sleep study by placing equipment on your child a few hours before bedtime. This set up includes the following:

  • A "bandage" like sensor that measures your child's oxygen will be placed on the toe or finger.
  • Small plastic prongs at the nose will measure your child's exhaled air.
  • Elastic or cloth belts will be placed on your child's chest and stomach, usually over his or her night clothes.
  • Stick-on electrodes will be placed on your child's face and chest to measure eye movements, heart rate and muscle tone during sleep. A few additional electrodes are applied with a washable paste on your child's scalp to measure stages of sleep.
The set-up process mentioned above is painless but does involve about an hour of cooperation on the part of your child. To best prepare your child, keep napping to a minimum on the day of the study.

Meals
You can purchase meals in the Virtua Voorhees Hospital cafeteria.

Plan on staying with your child
Virtua requires that a parent or legal guardian be with each child at all times. This will help your child feel less anxious and make the sleep disorders lab seem a little more like home. Children are more likely to cooperate when parents are present. There is a pull out bed available for the parent/guardian to be able to sleep.

If you have any concerns regarding these recommendations, please call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 (1-888-847-8823).

Don't let your child nap on the day of the study
Keeping your child from napping may help him fall asleep easier in the lab. Please do your best to minimize napping the day of the study.

Plan on your child going to bed at the usual time
Sleep technicians will discuss your child's usual bedtime with you and begin the set-up about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

What should you bring on the day of the study?

  • Your child needs to wear or bring comfortable loose fitting clothing. A front, button-down shirt or loose fitting night-shirt is fine.
  • Snacks and special treats can help your child through hook-up and make the overnight stay seem more like a special occasion.
  • Each bedroom is equipped with a TV and DVD player so bring a favorite DVD along.
  • Bring a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, pillow or anything that may alleviate any fears.
  • You should plan to eat dinner before arrival. There is a kitchenette area available if you wish to bring a snack for later in the evening.
  • You must bring all of your child's medications, formula, special foods and medical equipment for the overnight sleep study.
Check with your child's physician about medications
Let the physician who is ordering the sleep study know the type of medication and dose before he or she orders the study. He or she will decide whether to continue or discontinue a medication, since some drugs may interfere with the quality of your child's sleep or make it more difficult for Sleep Center staff to interpret the results of the study.

This is especially important if your child is using anti-reflux medications, sedatives, or stimulants. These medications may have to be discontinued 3 to 14 days before the study but be sure that you bring the medications with you in case your child needs to use them during the night.

If your child has asthma you should also bring along his/ medications as well as his nebulizer, spacer, etc. If your child is using BiPAP/CPAP you should also bring those along so we can measure how they are working.

If your child is sick
If your child develops a fever, vomiting or is not feeling well, the study should be postponed. If you're unsure, contact us at 1-888-VIRTUA-3 to discuss your child's illness.