referral criteria from primary care - childhood sleep problem
Last reviewed 01/2018
It is appropriate to consider a referral to a sleep specialist
- if a sleep problem persists despite institution of practical sleep hygiene measures, or,
- if the sleep problem begins to impact the child's mood, behaviour, and learning
Suggested persistent features (despite sleep hygiene measures) that should warrant a referral:
- if a school age child chronically feels unrefreshed on waking up in the morning
- if a school age child finds it difficult to stay awake in the classroom
- if a school age child habitually falls asleep in the classroom or while riding in a car or train for less than half an hour, or naps on returning home from school
- a child who habitually snores
- if a child has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night that lasts over a month
- if a child has unexplained night time behaviours that keep family members awake
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