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What is a sleep EEG?

EEG stands for electroencephalogram. A sleep EEG is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain while you are awake and then asleep. It involves having small discs (electrodes) which record the activity attached to your scalp using paste. Your child may also be asked to breathe deeply or look at bright flashing lights at some point during the recording (these are called activation techniques).

As part of the test your child will also be video recorded as this can help to diagnose the condition; you will be asked to sign a consent form to allow this at the beginning of the test.

There are different types of sleep EEG recordings:

•        Baby sleep EEG – If your child is under 3 years old we will try to record the EEG during natural sleep. To help us achieve this please bring a dummy, bottle of milk, blanket or toy and do not let your child sleep before the test.

•        Sleep Deprivation EEG – For this test your child will need to avoid sleeping or have less sleep on the night before the test. The amount of sleep your child can have will be detailed in the appointment letter.

•        Sedation sleep EEG – On rare occasions your child’s doctor may ask for a mild sedative (Melatonin) to be used to induce sleep or calm a child for an EEG. A single dose of Melatonin is unlikely to cause any side effects. 

What are the benefits of a sleep EEG?

The benefit of an EEG is that it will help your child’s doctor to diagnose if there are any problems and he/she will then be able to advise any appropriate treatment if required.

What are the risks of an EEG?

There is a small chance that your child may experience some reddening of the skin or soreness where the paste is applied. There is a small risk that some of the activation techniques or sleep deprivation can provoke their symptoms. In a few cases sleep deprivation can make some people’s symptoms more frequent.

The risk of a sedation sleep EEG is that the effects of the sedation can last for several hours so your child may still be sleepy for a while after the test but this is not dangerous.

What are the risks of not having the test?

If your child does not to have a sleep EEG, this may delay their doctor finding out what is causing their symptoms and starting treatment.

Are there any alternative tests?

There is usually no alternative to this test that will give your child’s doctor the information they need.

Preparing your child for the sleep test

•        Follow the instructions on your appointment letter for the amount of sleep your child can have before the test.

•        Avoid giving your child drinks with caffeine before the test.

•        Please bring along anything you think might help them to sleep – dummies, milk, special blankets or toys to aid sleep.

•        Do not let your child sleep before the test e.g. on the journey to the hospital.

•        You child can eat and drink as normal before the test. Make sure they have something to eat within 1½ hours before the appointment as they are more likely to sleep if they feel full.

•        Your child should arrive with clean, dry hair free from grease, hair spray and lacquers etc.

•        Your child should continue to take any medicines as usual. Please bring a list of these with you to the appointment.

•        Bring a comb or brush with you to tidy their hair after the test.

•        If you don’t feel that the appointment is at a suitable time of day for sleep i.e. you feel they are more likely to sleep in the afternoon, please contact us to rearrange.

•        If you are concerned about the amount of sleep we have suggested your child should have please contact us to discuss this.

If you are unable to keep this appointment please contact us on 0121 507 4319 so that alternative arrangements can be made and the appointment can be given to another patient waiting for the test.

Before the test we will ask you if you have read and understood this information and whether you consent to go ahead with it. We will also answer any questions you have. 

During the test

The appointment will take around 2 hours. This is what happens:

1.      The person doing the test will start by measuring your child’s head if they are cooperative.

2.      They will then rub your child’s scalp and stick some small discs to it using sticky paste.

3.      The discs are then connected to the EEG machine by wires.