Interpretation of the polysomnogram in children.

Polysomnography (PSG) is a useful tool for the diagnosis of sleep disorders in children. This multichannel study obtains information about sleep architecture, respiratory effort, movements during sleep, respiratory events, and gas exchange to facilitate the evaluation of children who have disrupted sleep or suspected SDB. Children should be studied in a sleep laboratory equipped for and staffed with personnel comfortable with and experienced in the performance of PSG in children. The scoring and interpretation of PSG differs in children and adults. The pediatric PSG should be interpreted by a pediatric professional knowledgeable in normal development and sleep disorders in children.