Sleep Disorders

Narcolepsy & IH

Narcolepsy & IH

  Disorders of Primary Hypersomnia have usual age of onset from 15-20 years of age, But many times diagnosis is not made till decades later Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia are disorders of sleepiness that are due to brain reasons, that is why they are called “Central Hypersomnias”. Narcolepsy is known as being a disorder of… Read more »

Sleep Walking/Talking Night Terrors

Sleep Walking/Talking Night Terrors

Sleep walking, sleep talking, and night terrors are common in childhood. They occur in a deep sleep. Different stages of sleep are reviewed in Sleep 101. Natural history of Non-REM Parasomnia (Somambulism, Somniloquy, Night Terror) It is more common in childhood when SWS (Slow-Wave Sleep) is more abundant. Safety/Environmental measures is first line treatment. At… Read more »

Tonsils and Snoring

Tonsils and Snoring

When is snoring sleep apnea? Snoring may indicate sleep apnea, but is also common in childhood. 2-3% of children have obstructive sleep apnea, however about 9-10% have benign primary snoring, which means that though there is snoring, the snoring itself is not causing arousal nor sleep fragmentation.   Is a sleep study needed for tonsil… Read more »

Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood

Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood

Children’s Sleep. Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood. I would first like to note to families that this is a common issue. It can be disruptive to overall family sleep. Many parents feel they are doing something “wrong”, but no two kids are alike and individualized approaches are necessary. Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood (BIC) commonly occurs in… Read more »

Treating Insomnia

Treating Insomnia

Medication isĀ NOTĀ first line treatment for insomnia. Clinical Guidelines by the AASM state that Psychological and Behavioral treatments for insomnia are effective and recommended as first line treatment for insomnia (primary and secondary). Furthermore, the guidelines state that when a medication is used for insomnia, that it should be done in the setting of behavioral therapy…. Read more »