Sleep Medicine Testing at CHKD
Contact Us
Phone: (757) 668-9466
Fax: (757) 668-7198
Billing
Questions about your bill? Please call (757) 668-7200.
If you have any questions concerning your child's sleep study or if you are unable to keep an appointment, please call us at (757) 668-9466.
Sleep Medicine Testing at CHKD
An overnight sleep study monitors breathing and brain activity during sleep and is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as the best tool for diagnosing sleep disorders in children.
A Guide to Your Child's Sleep Study
What does this test involve?
There are no needles and the test is not painful. To monitor breathing, two stretchy bands are placed around your child's chest. Two small soft tubes are placed at the opening of your child's nose to monitor the air flow in and out. Small metal discs are placed on the chest and head to measure the heart rate and brain activity. Explain to your child that "stickers" with wires will be placed on his/her head and face, and a net cap will keep these in place.
Preparing for the test
- Make sure your child does not have any caffeine or sugar on test day.
- Do not let your child nap on test day.
- Eat dinner before you arrive. CHKD's Health Center at Oakbrooke and CHKD's Health Center, South Campus do not offer food services.
- You may bring a snack for your child as long as it does not contain sugar, caffeine, or chocolate.
- Bring your child's favorite bedtime comfort items such as a blanket, favorite book, or stuffed animal.
- Bring any medications that your child may need.
- Bathe your child and wash his/her hair on the day of the test, but please do not use any lotions or oils on the skin.
- There is a DVD player in the room so you may bring your child's favorite video.
Arrival instructions
All sleep study appointments are scheduled for 7 p.m.
Chesapeake: For sleep studies at CHKD's Health Center at Oakbrooke, please park in front of the building. Use the intercom at the front entrance to call the sleep center.
Norfolk: For sleep studies at CHKD’s Health Center, South Campus, please park in the lot behind the building marked for CHKD patients and use the intercom at the front entrance to call the sleep center.
Additional information
- We have a place for one parent to stay overnight. Most children are more comfortable knowing that a parent is close by. Please stay with your child at all times during the study.
- You will be asked to turn off all cell phones and other devices at lights out, between 9 and 10 p.m.
- The study will end between 5-5:30 a.m. If you prefer an earlier wake-up time, please notify your technician.
- You will get the results of the sleep study during your follow-up visit.