No parent is a stranger to a lack of sleep at one time or another – for yourself, a child, or both at the same time.

It can make you cranky, tired, unable to focus and bring on other health problems.

But when does a bad night’s sleep become a medical disorder?

The Sleep Diagnostic Center at West Boca Medical Center works to help figure that out – and not just for adults. It has a pediatric sleep lab that treats premature infants through teenagers, with a doctor who specializes in pediatric sleep disorders.

The biggest groups of child patients are preemies and adolescents, said Chris Apergis, director of cardiopulmonary & the sleep center.

He gives a rundown of sleep disorders that can occur in various ages, and how they are treated:

Preemies

Some babies born prematurely may suffer from sleep apnea – and may not have the brain development to wake up when they stop breathing. They will be hooked to an apnea monitor in the hospital, and parents may even take one home. An alarm will sound if the baby stops breathing.

Co-sleeping infants

When Mom and Dad start out sleeping with the baby in their bed, then decide it’s time for baby to sleep in the crib, it can be a difficult transition.

If the baby is up all night crying – and the parents are, too – they may turn to the sleep lab for help. There, a parent will sleep in a recliner; the baby will be monitored in the crib – and the staff will keep the two apart, even if Mom tries to climb into the baby’s bed.

The “treatment” here is as much for the parents as the baby: “It’s OK for the baby to cry,” Apergis said.

Kids age 5-10

A big issue in this age group is “obstructive sleep apnea,” Apergis said.

Kids may have enlarged tonsils or sinus problems. They usually snore and sleep with their mouths open.

They wake up so much during the night that they don’t experience the four stages of sleep, so they don’t get the rest they need for the next day. They may be cranky and tired all the time.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended – removing the tonsils, for example.

In other cases, patients may wear a special mask at night to keep the airways open.

Adolescents

Sleep problems in adolescents are often behavioral. Kids may have trouble sleeping because they are overstimulated by electronics and may not follow a regular sleep schedule.

Not getting enough sleep – they still need eight hours at this age – can make them feel tired all the time, fall asleep in school, or experience falling grades.

One of the biggest ways for parents to help is make the child’s bedroom a comfortable, calm environment – no phones, no music, no TV. They can read, which is relaxing.

Children’s natural body clock starts to change at this age – and some of the Boca middle schools start classes later in the morning. Apergis recommends keeping them on  a regular bedtime – even on the weekends. Don’t let them sleep in.

And keep them from doing strenuous exercises within two hours of bedtime. The hormones will keep them up. Ditto for caffeine.

Once you’ve tried all that and the child still has trouble sleeping, it may be time for a medical consultation. You will need a prescription to go to the sleep center, so start with your pediatrician. (Many insurance plans do pay for it).

Obesity

Overweight can also cause obstructive sleep apnea, Apergis said. Patients with large necks and tongues can experience obstructions when those muscles relax during sleep. A diet and fitness plan may be part of that treatment.

Sleep monitoring

To diagnose a sleep disorder, the child reports to a sleep lab (with a parent) around 8 p.m. Monitors are attached in several places, including the head, chest, abdomin and legs.

The parent stays in the room all night, while the monitors record breathing patterns, movement and other data from the sleeping child.

A diagnosis is usually made in the next couple of days.

UP ALL NIGHT – READ MORE

• In 3-Minute Guru, how “zombie moms” can get some sleep.
• At MomsMiami, a new study says violent TV can keep preschoolers awake
• Learn more at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s blog.
• Visit West Boca Medical Center’s Sleep Diagnostic Center online or call 561-218-8400.

- CHARLENE PACENTI