Representatives from Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH) cut the ribbon on a Pediatric Sleep Center, a clinic dedicated to young patients with sleep disorders and underlying health conditions.

About 25% of the general pediatric population has a sleep disorder, and children with issues such as neurologic and pulmonary disease are even more susceptible. Children with sleep disorders do poorly in school and are more likely to have behavioral problems. Those with obesity are at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke as adults. Studies of adolescents found that inadequate sleep is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, suicide ideation and attempted suicide.

“Sleep quality affects plays a significant role in a child’s physical, mental and emotional well-being and the downstream effects of sustained sleep deficits are reversible if caught early,” said Scottie B. Day, M.D., physician-in-chief for KCH. “Children aren’t just little adults; they have unique and complicated medical needs, and they need a space designed with their needs in mind. A well-rested child is happier, healthier child and has a reduced risk of developing severe health problems as an adult.”

Demand for pediatric sleep centers is at an all-time high; there are only three sleep centers in Kentucky that accept pediatric patients. It is estimated that almost 50,000 children in Kentucky would qualify for a sleep study at some point in their childhood. Three out of four children with ADHD, 83% of children with autism, and as many as 80% of children with seizure disorders have disordered sleep. Additionally, 30% of children with obesity are diagnosed with sleep apnea and nearly half of children diagnosed with cardiomyopathy have sleep-disordered breathing.

The current UK HealthCare Sleep Center at Good Samaritan Hospital is used by both adult and pediatric patients. The wait time for a sleep study is eight weeks, and patients under the age of 18 months and patients with complex health needs such as Down syndrome and heart defects cannot be treated. The new clinic can accommodate children of any age with or without complex medical needs.

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