Paediatric Sleep Medicine (PEK_067)
About Study Course
Objective
Provide medical study students with in-depth, scientifically-based knowledge of sleep physiology in children’s age and the most common sleep disorders at different stages of development, as well as develop clinical skills in the recognition, differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of sleep disorders at primary and secondary care levels. The course promotes understanding of sleep’s role in a child’s somatic, neurological, psychological and cognitive development, and prepares students to provide safe, evidence-based and family-centered care.
Prerequisites
Pre-knowledge of paediatrics.
Learning outcomes
1.After completing the course, the student:
1. Explains the biological importance of sleep for growth, neurocognitive development, emotional regulation, and somatic health at different stages of childhood.
2. Describes sleep physiology – sleep stages, sleep architecture, circadian rhythm, and homeostatic sleep regulation – in newborns, infants, preschool children, school-aged children, and adolescents.
3. Understands the principles of a safe sleep environment, as well as the risk factors and preventive measures for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
4. Classifies the most common sleep disorders in childhood according to international classification systems.
5. Describes the characteristics and most common sleep problems in infants and preschool children.
6. Describes the features of sleep disorders in children with comorbidities (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, chronic somatic diseases).
7. Is familiar with sleep assessment methods (sleep diary, actigraphy, polysomnography, multiple sleep latency test, etc.) and the basic principles of treatment (sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, multidisciplinary approach).
1.After completing the course, the student is able to:
1. Obtain a focused sleep history in children of different ages, involving parents and caregivers.
2. Identify “red flags” indicating serious sleep disorders or sleep-disordered breathing.
3. Perform differential diagnosis of sleep problems based on the clinical presentation.
4. Interpret sleep diaries, screening questionnaires, and basic polysomnography results.
5. Develop an age-appropriate non-pharmacological treatment plan (sleep hygiene, behavioural interventions).
6. Recognize situations requiring referral to a sleep medicine specialist or another specialist (e.g., ENT, neurologist, psychiatrist).
7. Provide parents with structured, evidence-based recommendations on safe sleep environment and sleep routines.
8. Assess the impact of sleep disorders on a child’s development, behaviour, and academic performance.
1.After completing the course, the student:
1. Is able to integrate knowledge of sleep physiology and pathology into clinical practice, evaluating the child’s overall health.
2. Independently and responsibly makes decisions regarding the initial assessment and management of sleep disorders at the primary care level.
3. Works in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with paediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, ENT specialists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals.
4. Is able to critically appraise scientific literature in paediatric sleep medicine and apply an evidence-based approach.
5. Demonstrates professional communication with children and their families, respecting the child’s best interests and safety principles.
