Training issues pertaining to sleep medicine and child neurology

Suresh Kotagal1

  • 1Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Kotagal.suresh@mayo.edu

Insights

Sleep disorders frequently occur in child neurology. Training in sleep medicine and assessing sleep-wake function improves pediatric neurological care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Co-morbid sleep disorders are prevalent in pediatric neurology patients.
  • Addressing sleep-wake function is crucial for comprehensive child neurological care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of sleep medicine training for child neurologists.
  • To emphasize the benefits of routine assessment of sleep-wake function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common co-morbid sleep disorders in child neurology.
  • Discussion of the impact of formal sleep medicine training.
  • Analysis of routine clinical practice regarding sleep-wake function.

Main Results:

  • Formal training in sleep medicine significantly enhances a child neurologist's capabilities.
  • Routine attention to sleep-wake function improves the quality of patient care.
  • Integrating sleep medicine knowledge leads to better management of neurological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Child neurologists benefit greatly from specialized training in sleep medicine.
  • Systematic evaluation of sleep-wake patterns is essential for optimal pediatric neurological practice.
  • Enhanced expertise in sleep medicine allows for more holistic and effective patient management.

Related Concept Videos

Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking01:17

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Insomnia01:27

Insomnia

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...