Indications for polysomnography in children – practical recommendations for the paediatrician

Abstract

Sleep problems are frequent in children. The diagnosis of most sleep-related disorders starts with a detailed history and clinical examination.

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for objective measurement of neurologic and respiratory function during sleep, combining multiple data-collecting sensors.

Sleep-related breathing disorders are frequent, and PSG is needed for the diagnosis and quantification of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Moreover, more rare disorders like central apnoea and hypoventilation can correctly be identified.

When narcolepsy is suspected, a multiple sleep latency test must be added to a PSG to objectify hypersomnolence.

This review describes the respiratory and neurologic indications for PSG in children and some practical and ethical considerations that must be taken into account when referring children for PSG.