Clinical Evaluation of Sleep Disorders in Childhood: A Polysomnography-Based Study

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is increasingly recognised in the paediatric population. It is important to consider that certain pulmonary and endocrinological disorders may be influenced by OSAS or exhibit a more severe clinical course due to the presence of OSAS. This study aims to highlight the application of polysomnography in the paediatric population, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders associated with chronic comorbidities—most notably endocrinological and respiratory conditions—and to emphasise the importance of improving quality of life measures to support healthy development in affected children. Polysomnography (PSG) recordings obtained between January 2020 and April 2025 at the Sleep Disorders Unit of the Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, were retrospectively reviewed. Among these PSG records, patients referred from the Departments of Paediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Paediatric Pulmonology, and Paediatric Immunology and Allergy were identified. Demographic data, medical history, and PSG findings of the included patients were analysed. The results of polysomnography (PSG) performed in our center showed that the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children with endocrinologic or respiratory diseases was higher (25.7% vs. 3%) and the mean age was older (7 years vs. 4 years) compared to the normal pediatric population. The prevalence of sleep disorders was similar in these patients and normal children (54.4% vs. >50%), as was the prevalence of central apnea (2.9%). There were no gender differences among patients with sleep disorders.