Non-Respiratory Indications for Polysomnography and Multiple Sleep Latency Testing for Children

Publication Date: November 1, 2012
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations For PSG and MSLT Use:

PSG is indicated for children suspected of having periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) for diagnosing PLMD. (STANDARD, )
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The MSLT, preceded by nocturnal PSG, is indicated in children as part of the evaluation for suspected narcolepsy. (STANDARD, )
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Children with frequent NREM parasomnias, epilepsy, or nocturnal enuresis should be clinically screened for the presence of comorbid sleep disorders and polysomnography should be performed if there is a suspicion for sleep-disordered breathing or periodic limb movement disorder. (GUIDELINE, )
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The MSLT, preceded by nocturnal PSG, is indicated in children suspected of having hypersomnia from causes other than narcolepsy to assess excessive sleepiness and to aid in differentiation from narcolepsy. (OPTION, )
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The polysomnogram using an expanded EEG montage is indicated in children to confirm the diagnosis of an atypical or potentially injurious parasomnia or differentiate a parasomnia from sleep-related epilepsy. (OPTION, )
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Polysomnography is indicated in children suspected of having restless legs syndrome (RLS) who require supportive data for diagnosing RLS. (OPTION, )
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Recommendations Against PSG Use:

Polysomnography is not routinely indicated for evaluation of children with sleep-related bruxism. (STANDARD, )
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Non-Respiratory Indications for Polysomnography and Multiple Sleep Latency Testing for Children

Authoring Organization

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Publication Month/Year

November 1, 2012

Last Updated Month/Year

January 8, 2024

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

In this report, we present practice parameters for the indications of polysomnography and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) in the assessment of non-respiratory sleep disorders in children. 

Target Patient Population

Children with non-respiratory sleep disorders

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Adolescent, Child

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Diagnosis, Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D017286 - Polysomnography

Keywords

polysomnography

Source Citation

Sleep, Volume 35, Issue 11, 1 November 2012, Pages 1467–1473,
https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.2190

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Systematic Review Document, Evidence Tables