Pediatric Patients with Sleep Complaints: Initial Interview and Diagnostic Planning

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a framework that will guide the reader through a practical stepwise approach toward a well-rounded initial clinical encounter with pediatric patients presenting with sleep complaints. Aspects of normal human sleep that are useful in the initial encounter are emphasized. The finer points of history-taking skills that may hold the key to successful interventions are discussed. The spectrum of diagnostic possibilities and available assessment tools are illustrated with the help of a concept map in order to provide a 10,000-foot view of the management approach. Within this map, diagnostic categories that overarch the spectrum of sleep disorders are presented alongside pointers to diagnostic tools that may be useful in these scenarios. Common scenarios where investigations are not indicated and only reassurance is required are presented. It is hoped that this chapter will provide the less experienced sleep practitioner with the initial building blocks for constructing what will eventually be their own unique clinical style.