Pediatric Sleep Health

Transforming Children's Sleep and Development

Children are not just small adults when it comes to sleep. Their growing brains and bodies have unique sleep needs, and sleep problems in childhood can affect development, behavior, learning, and long-term health. The Rebis Pediatric Sleep Clinic combines medical expertise, behavioral strategies, and developmental understanding to help children from infancy through adolescence achieve healthy, restorative sleep.

Sleep problems in children often signal underlying health issues that, when addressed early, can prevent serious complications later in life. The pediatric sleep team at Rebis works with families to identify root causes and create gentle, effective treatment plans that support both healthy sleep and optimal development.


Why Children's Sleep Matters More Than You Think

Quality sleep is when children's brains grow, memories form, and bodies develop. Unlike adults who primarily use sleep for restoration, children literally grow while they sleep. Growth hormone is released during deep sleep, emotional experiences are processed, and new neural connections form that support learning and development.

When children don't sleep well, the effects ripple through every aspect of their lives:

Immediate Effects:

  • Difficulty concentrating and learning in school

  • Behavioral problems and emotional outbursts

  • Frequent illness due to weakened immune function

  • Problems with coordination and motor skills

  • Prolonged and Increased frequency of bedwetting

  • Dark circles under the eyes

Long-term Consequences:

  • Delayed physical growth and development

  • Increased risk of obesity and metabolic problems

  • Higher likelihood of anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms

  • Cardiovascular problems that can persist into adulthood

  • Impaired Cognitive Function

Research shows that children with untreated sleep disorders face significant challenges with cognitive development, emotional regulation, and physical health that can impact them throughout their lives.

Comprehensive Pediatric Sleep Conditions We Treat

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

  • Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Often caused by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or narrow airways

  • Snoring and Upper Airway Resistance: Breathing difficulties that disrupt sleep quality

  • Mouth Breathing: Habit that affects facial development and sleep quality

Behavioral Sleep Problems

  • Bedtime Resistance: Children who fight going to sleep

  • Night Wakings: Frequent awakening during the night

  • Early Morning Rising: Waking too early and unable to return to sleep

  • Behavioral Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to habits or environment

Parasomnias and Sleep Events

  • Night Terrors and Nightmares: Frightening experiences during sleep

  • Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking: Movement and speech during sleep

  • Restless Leg Syndrome: Uncomfortable sensations in legs affecting sleep

Sleep Schedule Disorders

  • Delayed Sleep Phase: Teens who naturally stay up late and sleep in

  • Irregular Sleep Schedules: Inconsistent bedtimes and wake times

  • Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Internal clock problems affecting sleep timing

Sleep Problems in Special Populations

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: Sleep difficulties common in neurodivergent children

  • ADHD-Related Sleep Issues: Attention problems often linked to poor sleep

  • Anxiety and Sleep: Worry and stress interfering with sleep

  • Medical Conditions: Sleep problems related to chronic illness or medications

The Rebis Pediatric Sleep Approach: Gentle, Evidence-Based Care

The Rebis pediatric team understands that children and families need different approaches than adults. Treatment plans are designed to be gentle, family-friendly, and developmentally appropriate while still being highly effective.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Our team uses Dr. McCarty's Five Finger Approach to understand all factors that might be affecting a child's sleep:

  1. Sleep Schedule and Circadian Rhythms: Understanding the child's natural sleep patterns

  2. Medical Factors: Identifying health conditions that interfere with sleep

  3. Airway and Breathing: Evaluating physical structures that might block breathing

  4. Behavioral and Environmental Factors: Assessing bedtime routines, sleep environment, and habits

  5. Sleep Disorders: Looking for specific sleep conditions that need treatment

Age-Appropriate Testing Options

  • Home Sleep Testing: Available for children 3 and older in their own beds

  • In-Lab Sleep Studies: Comprehensive overnight testing for children 3 and older

  • Sleep Diaries and Questionnaires: Tracking sleep patterns and identifying problems

Developmental Assessments: Understanding how sleep affects growth and learning

Medical and Surgical Coordination

When children have sleep apnea or other breathing problems during sleep, the pediatric team works closely with specialists to provide comprehensive care:

ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Collaboration

  • Evaluation for enlarged tonsils and adenoids

  • Adenotonsillectomy when appropriate

  • Nasal breathing optimization

  • Allergy management

Airway-Focused Dental Integration

  • Early orthodontic intervention for narrow palates

  • Growth guidance to improve facial development

  • Tongue-tie evaluation and treatment

  • Myofunctional therapy for proper oral muscle function

Pulmonology Coordination

Management of asthma and breathing problems

  • CPAP therapy when needed for children

  • Oxygen therapy evaluation

  • Chronic lung condition management

The Science Behind Pediatric Sleep Treatment

Research consistently shows that addressing sleep problems early in childhood provides benefits that last a lifetime:

Behavioral Interventions: Studies demonstrate that behavioral sleep interventions resolve pediatric insomnia in up to 80% of cases and improve mood, behavior, and academic performance.

Early Sleep Apnea Treatment: Treating pediatric sleep apnea prevents cardiovascular complications, supports normal growth, and improves cognitive development.

Nasal Breathing Benefits: Teaching children to breathe through their nose reduces infections, supports proper facial development, and improves sleep quality.

The Rebis pediatric team stays current with the latest research and incorporates evidence-based treatments that have been proven safe and effective for children.

Family-Centered Care and Support

Sleep problems affect the entire family, not just the child. Parents and siblings often lose sleep when one family member has sleep difficulties. The Rebis approach includes:


Parent Education and Support

  • Understanding normal sleep development in children

  • Learning effective bedtime routines and sleep hygiene

  • Managing their own stress and sleep while helping their child

  • Connecting with other families facing similar challenges

Telehealth Follow-Up

  • Regular check-ins to monitor progress

  • Adjusting treatment plans as children grow and develop

  • Ongoing support for families implementing new strategies

  • Coordination with schools and other providers

Long-Term Monitoring

  • Tracking growth and development improvements

  • Adjusting treatments as children's needs change

  • Preventing relapse of sleep problems

  • Supporting healthy sleep habits into adulthood

Special Focus: The Importance of Nasal Breathing

One of the key focuses of the Rebis pediatric program is helping children learn to breathe through their nose rather than their mouth. This might seem simple, but nasal breathing provides numerous health benefits:


Immediate Benefits:

  • Better oxygen delivery to the brain and body

  • Reduced risk of respiratory infections

  • Improved sleep quality and less snoring

  • Better dental and facial development

Long-Term Advantages:

  • Proper facial growth and jaw development

  • Reduced risk of sleep apnea in adulthood

  • Better athletic performance and endurance

  • Frequent elimination of ADHD

  • Lower likelihood of dental problems and orthodontic needs

The team teaches children and families simple techniques to promote nasal breathing and addresses any medical issues that might make mouth breathing necessary.

Red Flag Symptoms:

  • Loud snoring on most nights

  • Mouth breathing during sleep

  • Pauses in breathing during sleep

  • Recurring nightmares

  • Bedwetting

  • Excessive sweating during sleep

  • Frequent nighttime awakening

  • Extreme difficulty waking up in the morning

Behavioral and Academic Concerns:

  • Hyperactivity or attention problems at school

  • ADHD diagnosis 

  • Mood changes, irritability, or aggressive behavior

  • Difficulty learning or memory problems

  • Falling asleep during the day or in school

When to Seek Help for Your Child's Sleep

Many parents aren't sure when sleep problems require professional help. Consider consulting the Rebis pediatric sleep team if your child experiences:


Physical Symptoms:

  • Slow growth or weight gain

  • Frequent headaches, especially in the morning

  • Bedwetting in older children

  • Teeth grinding or jaw clenching

Family Impact:

  • Parents losing sleep due to child's sleep problems

  • Stress or conflict around bedtime

  • Concerns about child's development or behavior

  • Previous treatments that haven't been successful

Frequently Asked Questions: Pediatric Sleep Health

  • Sleep problems can occur at any age, from infancy through adolescence. While some sleep disruptions are normal during developmental phases, persistent problems that affect the child's daytime functioning or family well-being warrant evaluation.

  • Children with sleep apnea may not show the same symptoms as adults. Instead of being tired, children often become hyperactive, have behavioral problems, or struggle in school. Physical growth may be slower, and children may be more prone to infections.

  • Yes, sleep studies are completely safe and non-invasive. The Rebis team uses child-friendly approaches and works with families to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Home sleep testing is often available as a less disruptive option.

  • Not necessarily. While removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids is sometimes recommended it is not our first approach, many children can be helped with less invasive approaches like behavioral interventions, oral appliances, or breathing therapies.

  • Treatment duration varies depending on the specific problem and the child's age. Behavioral sleep interventions often show improvements within weeks, while treatments for sleep apnea or breathing problems may take several months to achieve optimal results.

  • Yes, sleep problems can significantly impact physical growth, emotional development, learning, and behavior. This is why early intervention is so important – addressing sleep problems can help children reach their full potential.

  • Parents are essential partners in pediatric sleep treatment. Success often depends on consistent implementation of sleep strategies, environmental changes, and ongoing support at home. The Rebis team provides extensive parent education and support.

  • The pediatric team is specially trained to work with anxious children. They use age-appropriate explanations, gradual exposure techniques, and child-friendly environments to help children feel comfortable and safe during evaluation and treatment.