title: Sleep physiology and sleep-disordered breathing: the essentials.
abstract: Sleep is essential, but poses a risk to breathing in some children. We have outlined the developmental changes in sleep patterns and physiology, and the evidence of deleterious effects of sleep deprivation and of sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD). Some factors increase the risk of adenotonsillar surgery and should be excluded before contemplating surgery in a secondary care setting. Screening for SRBD is indicated in some conditions, which are discussed. Although simple studies may suffice for many patients, there are a few who need more detailed assessment with polysomnography. A managed clinical network would be the most appropriate model to ensure appropriate organisation and utilisation of scarce resources in this area.
authors.affiliation: Sleep Unit, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK. r.a.primhak@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Primhak
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kingshott
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy