Getting plenty of sleep is essential for our health, particularly when we are young. However, many children have trouble sleeping at some point, and in some cases it might take a sleep specialist to solve the problem.

Does Your Child Need a Sleep Specialist?

We all have trouble getting to sleep from time to time, but sometimes sleep problems can develop into something more serious. Your child may need to see a sleep specialist if the problems have persisted for a long time and they are interfering with schoolwork, or they are taking a toll on your family’s health and wellbeing. If your child has been sleepwalking, experiencing night terrors, or has simply been finding it impossible to get enough sleep to stay well, then you should consider seeing a respiratory consultant who specialises in tackling sleep disorders. Your doctor will be able to help you to work out the cause of the problem and to come up with a solution that will work for your child.

What Happens When You See a Sleep Specialist?

When you see a respiratory consultant about a sleep problem, you will probably spend some time talking about your child’s sleep patterns and lifestyle. Difficulties getting or staying asleep are often linked to bad bedtime habits or a poor sleeping environment, which means they may be solved by making a few simple changes. Your doctor will be able to advise you on some techniques for making bedtime a little easier and for coping when your child wakes up at night. However, there can sometimes be other causes of sleep problems, so your doctor may need to conduct some tests or a sleep study in order to work out what is wrong. If there is another factor involved, your respiratory consultant may be able to provide medication or other options that will help to improve your child’s sleep.