What are the Sleep Studies in Infant

A sleep study is a test used to monitor and detect periods when your baby stops breathing (apnea). This test is also called a pneumogram, pneumocardiogram, or polysomnogram.

A sleep study may be done if:

• Your baby was born before 37 weeks of pregnancy (premature). The test may be done in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before you go home.
• Your baby has abnormal breathing patterns while sleeping.
• Your baby has abnormal sleep patterns.

A sleep study is a non-invasive procedure. There are no needles or tubes used, and the testing does not cause pain.

Tell your baby’s health care provider about:

• Any allergies your baby has, especially to products with sticky surfaces (adhesives).
• All medicines your baby is taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any medical conditions your baby has. If your baby has a fever or is sick, the sleep study will need to be postponed.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Allergic reactions to the adhesive.
• Minor irritation where the adhesives are placed.

What happens before the procedure?

• Bring any medicine, inhalers, formula, or medical equipment that your baby needs to the sleep study.

What happens during the procedure?

• Adhesive electrode patches will be placed on your baby’s skin to get breathing and heart rate information.
• Monitoring is usually done overnight. It may last longer if your baby needs to be monitored during daytime naps.
• The recording will be reviewed for unusual patterns in breathing and heart rate.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• It is up to you to get your baby’s test results. Ask your baby’s health care provider, or the department that is doing the test, when the results will be ready.
• Depending on your baby’s age and condition, his or her heart and lung function may be checked regularly.
• You may be given equipment to help monitor your baby’s condition at home.

Summary

• A sleep study is a painless, non-invasive test done to monitor and detect periods when your baby stops breathing (apnea).
• Before the study, tell your baby’s health care provider about any allergies your baby has and any medicines your baby is taking.
• Bring any medicine, inhalers, formula, or medical equipment that your baby needs to the sleep study.
• Adhesive electrode patches will be placed on your baby’s skin to obtain breathing and heart rate information.