Children’s Sleep Service

We investigate a range of sleep-related breathing conditions, including:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Central sleep apnoea
• Sleep-related hypoventilation
• Nocturnal oxygen problems
• Complex respiratory conditions affecting sleep

We aim to make sleep studies as inclusive and comfortable as possible.

Please let us know if your child has:

• Autism or sensory processing sensitivities
• Learning disabilities
• Communication needs- including English language interpretation
• Anxiety around medical procedures
• Physical disabilities or mobility needs
• Requires hoisting or specialist moving and handling support

Adjustments can be made wherever possible.

Many children can have a sleep study at home.

We will offer you an appointment to collect your equipment. A member of the team will provide you with a small recording device and explain how to attach the sensors. There are videos attached to each of the home sleep studies we offer for your guidance. Your child sleeps in their own bed as normal.

The following morning, the sensors are removed and the equipment is returned to the hospital.

Home studies are convenient and allow children to sleep in a familiar environment. The extensive list of all types of home sleep study are labelled below with video instructions.

Overnight Oximetry - Sleep Study Kit

Oxicapnography - TCM5 Co2 monitor

Cardio-Respiratory Sleep Study - Somno Sleep Study

Actigraphy Watch Setup

Some children need more detailed monitoring and will stay overnight on the ward.

This may be recommended if:

• Home studies are attempted and unsuccessful
• Your child requires further assessment with the medical team
• Your child has complex medical needs
• More detailed measurements are required

During an inpatient study:

• 4pm: You and your child are admitted to the ward
• 6pm: A sleep physiologist or nurse applies the sensors
• Your child sleeps overnight while being monitored
• A parent or carer stays with the child throughout (unless on Paediatric Intensive Care Unit)

Children are observed by staff overnight and equipment is checked regularly.

What happens during an inpatient admission?

Evening

• You arrive on the ward at your allocated time (4pm)
• A nurse or doctor will complete admission checks (5pm)
• The sleep physiologist explains the equipment (6pm)
• Sensors are applied (6p-8pm)
• Your child goes to sleep at their usual bedtime

Overnight

• Monitoring continues throughout the night
• Parents remain with their child
• Staff are available if assistance is needed

Morning

• Sensors are removed
• Your child can eat breakfast
• Sleep studies are reviewed by the sleep team the next morning
• You are discharged home

Preparing for your child’s sleep study

To help the study go smoothly, please:

• Follow your child’s normal bedtime routine
• Bring pyjamas, toiletries and comfort items
• Ensure hair is clean and dry
• Avoid creams or oils on the skin
• Bring snacks, drinks
• Usual medications

The inpatient Sleep Study is conducted at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

You will be given:

• The ward name (F3, C3 or PICU)
• Arrival time
• Where to check in

Parking and travel information can be found on the CUH website.

Children can wear their own pyjamas and bring comfort items such as toys, books and screens to help them settle in the environment.

What happens after the sleep study?

The data is analysed by Paediatric sleep physiologists and reviewed by the clinical team.

A detailed report is sent to the referring clinician. This usually happens within two months.

The referring team will contact you to:

• Explain the results
• Discuss next steps
• Arrange treatment or follow-up if required

Inpatient Sleep Study

No. The sensors are painless.

Yes. A parent or carer stays overnight for inpatient studies.

We collect as much data as possible. Even partial recordings can be helpful.

Unfortunately, siblings cannot stay overnight on the ward.