Children's Health

Pediatric Sleep Medicine

New Patients

In order to facilitate a timely visit, please see and comply with the following:

  • Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time
  • Send or bring a referral to your clinic visit
  • Bring a disk of any chest X ray imaging performed at facilities outside of Intermountain Healthcare
  • Fill out the sleep questionnaire prior to your clinic visit
  • If your child is on CPAP/BiPAP therapy, please bring all equipment to all clinic visits
  • Bring all of your child’s medications with you to clinic

The sleep lab is located at Outpatient Desk B on the 1st floor. Once at the clinic, follow signs to Sleep Lab Tech Room and check-in, or call 21787 from any phone in the main lobby.

Please note that a parent or guardian must stay overnight with your child. If your child is sick, the sleep study should be rescheduled. Please contact us before noon M-F. Over the weekend leave a message on the tech line at 801-662-1787.

What can I expect from a sleep specialist consultation:

The visit will include a detailed interview by a sleep specialist understanding your child's symptoms, daily routines and sleep schedule. We will also require information regarding any other health conditions your child has as well as medications he/she is on (please bring a list of all medications, dosage and timing of administration). It is not unusual for multiple factors playing a role in an individual child's sleep disturbance. Your child may or may not be recommended an overnight sleep study depending on his/her sleep complaint. A sleep study may not be possible on the same night as your clinic visit. You may also be referred to our behavioral sleep specialist who plays a key role in the evaluation and management of childhood sleep disorders. If your child does not have a sleep disorder, we will refer you back to your primary care physician for further treatment.

If your child is already on a sleep apnea machine, we require you to bring all of your home equipment to each sleep clinic visit for analysis. You may also meet with our child life therpaist, nurses or respiratory therapist to review appropriate use and correct maintainance of sleep apnea therapy.

How long will the evaluation take:

The sleep clinic evaluation usually is an hour long. You may encounter physicians in training (fellows are physicians who are training to become sleep specialists) who may perform an initial interview. You will also be seen by a sleep specialist. Nursing or respiratory therapist evaluations may occur before of after the physician evaluation. Behavioral therapist evaluations are usually separate. However, we may schedule you to see both the sleep medicine specialist and behavioral sleep specialist on the same day, depending on the information we receive at the time of initial intake. It may take up to 2 hours to complete the visit, so please plan your day accordingly.

What are some common sleep complaints evaluated in the sleep clinic:

A sleep medicine specialist evaluation may be considered for difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, restless sleep, daytime sleepiness or breathing difficulties during sleep. Breathing difficulties typically include snoring, working hard to breathe, "holding one's breath" or respiratory pauses during sleep. Unusual sleep wake schedules or unusual sleep related behaviors may also be symptoms of underlying sleep disorders. If you are concerned about any of the above symptoms in your child, ask your primary care physician if your child will benefit from consultation with a sleep specialist.

How do I schedule a sleep evaluation for my child:

To schedule a sleep clinic appointment please call 801-213-3599. A tentative appointment is made pending completion of the initial clinic intake. This is an essential step so that we can ensure your child sees the providers who can best assist you. Your appointment is confirmed only after the intake has been completed. If you do not receive an intake phone call and confirmation of your appointment within 5 business days, please call 801-662-1781.

To schedule a polysomnogram (sleep study) please call 801-662-1788.

What to Expect When you Come for a Sleep Study:

Information About the Study:

A specially trained sleep technician will explain the study and prepare your child. This study is also known as a polysomnography study. During the hook up for the study, small round discs called electrodes will be attached to your child’s head, legs, chest and stomach. The discs will record brain activity, eye movements, muscle movements, heart rhythm and rate, leg and chest movements. Elastic belts will be comfortably placed around the child’s chest and stomach to record breathing. Small tubing placed under your child’s nose will also record breathing. Our technicians support your child in being as relaxed and calm as possible. However, some children tell us they are bothered by being hooked up to monitors. Once asleep, most parents tell us children sleep well.

Children are most often hooked-up to the monitors and electrodes while still awake. This takes about one hour. Although your child may not like being hooked-up, most kids tell us it does not hurt. Our technicians specialize in pediatrics and will do their best to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible. Once your child is hooked-up there will be plenty of time for relaxing night-time routines.

“Lights Out” means the study will begin and it is time for the child to go to sleep. Recording equipment and video monitors record your child’s movements and activities while sleeping. Television or any cell phone use must cease at this time and throughout the study. The technician will be in a room next door observing the recording. The technician is available if questions or problems arise in the night. The study usually ends between 6:00-6:30 am.


Preparing your Child for the Study:

Some kids say Sleep Studies can be scary, others say they aren’t bothered at all. It varies between children whether this is a hard study or not. Here are some ways to help your child feel safe and relaxed:

  • Talk about the study ahead of time.
  • Visit the lab for a tour and description of the procedure prior to the study. Please call ahead to schedule a time at 801-662-1780.
  • Bring favorite books or a movie to watch during hook-up.

What to Bring for the Study:

  • Two-piece pajamas.
  • Personal items. (i.e., toothbrush, diapers, wipes, formula)
  • Pillow, favorite blanket or any other night-time comfort items that will help your child sleep better.
  • Any medicines your child takes.
  • Food items from home (if desired)- no meals are provided (a cafeteria is open during specific nighttime hours, if preferred).
  • If your child is coming for a CPAP titration study, CPAP mask & tubing only- do not bring your machine.

The day of your child’s sleep study your child should NOT:

  • Eat or drink anything with caffeine(cola drinks, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, chocolate, etc) after 4 pm. Caffeine can have an affect on your child’s ability to fall asleep.
  • Use lotion, hair spray, or gel (this interferes with the sensors)- hair should be clean and dry.
  • Take a nap (unless it is part of their usual daily routine)

Study Results:

Study results will be sent to the doctor who ordered the study and may take up to 3 weeks. Please contact their office for results and recommendations.

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