Paediatric Sleep Medicine

  • If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or follow local emergency care protocols or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.

    Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

    • Severe or persistent hypoxia once woken

    Disorder of initiation and maintenance of sleep (DIMS)

    • If parent is so distressed as to be actively considering harming the child

    Toddler or baby with night waking/settling issues

    • If parent is so distressed as to be actively considering harming the baby/child

    Circadian rhythm disorders

    • Sudden severe daytime sleepiness or reduced level of consciousness

    Parasomnias

    • Parasomnia resulting in significant injury

    Neuromuscular disease

    • Significant chest infection/illness leading to deterioration in respiratory status
    • Severe or persistent hypoxia and/or hypercarbia

    Cerebral palsy, significant neuro disability

    • Chest infection/illness causing deterioration in respiratory status
    • Chronic or persistent hypoxia and/or hypercarbia

    Syndromes at higher risk of sleep disordered breathing (SDB)

    • Significant deterioration in respiratory status

    Referral for ongoing respiratory support

    • Equipment failure during the night; wake child and present if unable to resolve equipment issues

  • Please note this is not an exhaustive list of all conditions for outpatient services and does not exclude consideration for referral unless specifically stipulated in the CPC out of scope section.

  • The following are not routinely provided in a public Paediatric Sleep Medicine service.

    Not all services are appropriate to be seen in the Queensland public health system. Exceptions can always be made where clinically indicated. It is proposed that the following are not routinely provided in a public Paediatric Sleep Medicine service
    • Children with enuresis as the presenting problem except when obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected – refer to General Paediatrics
    • Primary management of mental health disorders – refer to Mental Health or local Paediatrician
    • Suspected seizure disorders during sleep – refer to Paediatric Neurology
    • Developmental disorders without specific sleep symptoms – refer to developmental or general paediatrics
    • Brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE) unless a specific sleep disorder is suspected
    • Infant or toddler settling issues – refer pathways include child health nurse, Ellen Barron Centre or general paediatrics

Last updated: 3 December 2024

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