MDNews - Cleveland-Akron-Canton

Dr. Jyoti Krishna, Director of Sleep Medicine, and Michael Merritt, Sleep Lab Coordinator, review the results of a child's sleep study. A K RON CHILDREN'S HOSPITA L has a long legacy of providing high-quality, family-centered care to children. To bet- ter serve the changing needs of today's infants, children and teens, and keep pace with new technologies, the hospi- tal's Robert T. Stone, MD, Respiratory Center began expanding services and upgrading facilities last yea r. With a new depth and breadth of pulmonar y care, the center's physicians can deliver precise diag noses a nd treatments to manage common and complex breathing problems, sleep conditions, exercise limitations and more. ADVANCED SLEEP LAB Good sleep is a vita l component of chil- dren's health, and the results of good sleep health, or lack thereof, have ripple e€ects impacting other crucial aspects of young life, including athletics, academics and overall physical and mental health. Sleep apnea is one of the most common and under- diagnosed sleep disorders in America. Jyoti Krishna, MD, Director of Sleep Medicine, oversees A kron Children's renovated sleep lab, which brings the latest advances in technolog y, conve- nience and comfort to patients in need of screening. "Not only is sleep apnea important, but with the reduction in nightly total sleep time due to the rising use of electronic devices, sleep health overall is taking a backseat to socia l pressures," says Dr. Krishna. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, sleep apnea is more common in children than most realize. Between the ages of 2 and 8, it is estimated that up to four percent of children su€er from the disorder. "The risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea is increasing because of rising obesity trends," says Dr. Krishna. Akron Children's Hospital Helps Kids and Caregivers Breathe Easier, Expands Pulmonary Services and Facilities BY NEIL ALLEN PHOTOS BY KEN LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY, COPLEY, OH 0 6❱❱❱❱❱ C O V E R S T O R Y

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