Royal Hospital for Children and Young People

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Sleep Clinic Department

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Sleep Physiology

The Sleep Physiology service looks after babies, children and young people who may have breathing problems linked to their sleep. It is part of the wider Respiratory Department, which looks after children with conditions affecting their lungs and breathing.

The service is available for children all over Scotland who are referred to our department. Our staff have lots of experience in testing children and will aim to put you at ease at every stage. We see newborn babies to young people of school-leaving age depending on what test they need to have. Sleep studies can be performed from birth onwards and pre-school children can do breathing tests with different methods based on each child’s age or ability.

Meet the Team 

Head of Paediatric Cardiac, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology:

David Fynn

Specialist Paediatric Respiratory & Sleep Physiologists:

Sarah Blacklock Emma  Carruthers Jody Forster Kirsty Thompson Laura Hill Kellie Moffat

Respiratory Physiology Support Workers:

Janet Singh Claire Livingstone Elaine Grant

Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiology Administrator:

Taylor Gilchrist

Get in touch

Patients with a scheduled appointment or already in contact with our service can reach the team by calling 0131 312 1124 (Monday-Friday, 8.30am - 4pm – excluding public holidays). Unfortunately we are not able to discuss new referrals or give advice to families not already accepted into our service.  Please speak to your family doctor (GP) or another health professional already involved in your child’s health care like a health visitor, specialist nurse or doctor.

Coming to a clinic

Appointments take place in the Outpatients Department on the ground floor of the RHCYP. bridge hallway The Sleep Laboratory is located in Kildrummy Ward, which can be found next to Dalhousie Ward on Level 3.

Tests & Checks 

During appointments, it might be necessary to have some tests to help doctors understand how well a patient’s lungs are working and their effects.  Your doctor will explain any tests to you, and there will be a chance to ask questions.  Tests occur in the hospital, with fully-trained staff who can make sure patients are safe and well looked after.  Some of the tests that might be needed include:

Breathing Test (also called Pulmonary Function Test)

https://youtu.be/Zgx1_inGTjs

Skin Prick Test

https://youtu.be/8QvH6F6sHsQ

Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Test

Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Test is a test to check how your heart and lungs work together during exercise. https://youtu.be/vWXWkyq_QN8

Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction Test

Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction Test is a test to see how your airways work during exercise.

Hypoxic Challenge

Hypoxic Challenge is a test to check how your body absorbs oxygen. https://youtu.be/3cxubDl3PCU

Sleep Studies 

There are a few different types of sleep study that might be carried out:

Sleep Study on the ward as an in-patient

Home Sleep Study Opens in new window

Actigraphy Study Opens in new window

What, Why Children in Hospital is a Scottish-based charity that produced films to help children and young people understand more about tests and treatment that they might have.  You can watch with your child before their visit or appointment and note any questions you have for the doctors or nurses.

Sleep Test (CP) Cardio Pulmonary Opens in new window

Sleep Test (PS) Polysomnography Opens in new window

In-Patient Sleep Study

If your child is coming for a Sleep Study at RHCYP, here is some helpful information about their stay.

What do I need to bring?

  • Your child’s admission letter
  • All your child’s medication
  • Overnight bag (Toy/toiletries/pyjamas or T-shirt & shorts – not onesie’s)
  • Anything that will help your child relax is a favourite toy, book, game, DVD, or teddy bear.
  • IF YOUR CHILD IS ON CPAP OR Bi-LEVEL VENTILATION, PLEASE BRING ALL THEIR EQUIPMENT

Where will I stay?

If your child is attending a sleep study, only ONE parent or adult carer MUST stay overnight. The study may be conducted in the Sleep Unit, in which case an adjoining room is allocated.  Sometimes the study might take place in the ward, in which case a fold-down bed will be provided next to your child.

Food & Drinks

It would be best if you had your evening meal before attending the Sleep Unit. Snacks and drinks are available for your child during their stay; parents and carers can bring their own.  There are 24-hour catering facilities at the RHCYP, including vending machines, a café and a restaurant.

When do we need to arrive and leave?

The arrival time and where to come will be in your appointment letter.  Please arrive on time; otherwise, your child’s Sleep Study may be delayed or even cancelled.  Staff will let you know when you can go home. You may need to see the doctor before you leave or sometimes have additional tests the next morning.

Contact NHS Lothian