Sleepless Nights and When to Refer to a Specialist (S6:E1)

Sleep is an essential function vital to health and well-being, yet millions of people either neglect or have trouble sleeping. Sleep issues in kids are among the most common problems reported by parents to primary care providers. In fact, about 20% of all children suffer from some form of sleep problem, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss how to address common sleep disorders in children

In this episode, Antoinette Burns, DO, joins us to discuss common sleep disorders and when primary care providers should refer patients to a sleep specialist.

Dr. Burns is a pediatric sleep physician, associate medical director of the Pediatric Sleep Lab in Colorado Springs, Colorado and an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• The signs of obstructive sleep apnea
• Characteristics of good quality sleep
• First-step interventions for good sleep hygiene
• How to order a sleep study or refer to a sleep medicine specialist
• The role of sleep psychologists in desensitization and behavioral interventions, such as positive airway pressure or nasal cannula

Refer a patient to Children’s Colorado.

Treating sleep conditions at Children’s Colorado

The Sleep Program includes comprehensive clinics that evaluate patients and make appropriate treatment recommendations that help the entire family get a good night’s sleep. Our team assists primary care physicians and specialists with diagnosis and treatment of infants, children and adolescents with sleep problems.