Does your child struggle to focus in school, show aggressive behavior or hyperactivity? These issues may simply be linked to a lack of sleep, a very common ailment in children.
Sleep is necessary for a child’s optimal functioning. A lack of sleep affects every aspect of a child’s development and can cause medical, psychiatric, behavioral and developmental problems.
Symptoms of a sleep-deprived child include lack of focus or concentration, aggressive behaviors, hyperactivity or reduced school performance. Learn more about Pediatric Sleep Services.
Proper sleep is crucial for development and learning, but children who snore may have sleep apnea or a tonsil issue blocking their airway. It’s important to remember that children who lack sleep don’t necessarily act sleepy. Unlike adults, kids don’t get tired during the day, they become hyperactive and can be misdiagnosed with ADHD and put on medications they don’t need.
Led by our board-certified pediatric sleep specialist, Dr. Katherine DeRue, we will evaluate your child for a number of sleep concerns, such as snoring, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or daytime sleepiness. Based on your child’s symptoms, they may need a sleep study. 
St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor’s Sleep Disorder Center provides a full range of services for children:
Ages 3 years and up:
- Evaluation of suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or other sleep disordered breathing
- Non-surgical treatment of known OSA or other sleep disordered breathing
- Evaluation and treatment for daytime sleepiness and Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Circadian Rhythm disorders
Ages 6 months and up:
- Behavioral sleep problems
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a Sleep Specialist, visit www.stjoeshealth.org/sleep or call 734-712-2276
Learn more about Dr. DeRue in this Pediatric Sleep Commercial.
