Sleep need children

In small children scan times can be scheduled to coincide with the child s normal daytime sleep pattern. The additional use of aids such as sandbags. Velcro straps, baby buggers and vacuum mattresses are also effective. In the older child an understanding adult to remind them about the need to remain still is usually adequate. Sedation is usually unnecessary but may need to be considered if repeated scan attempts have failed. It is recommended that an institute wide approach to paediatric sedation be adopted and followed (Mandell et al. 2003). Determination of the pregnancy status of all females of child bearing age should be performed in accordance with local or national protocols (British Nuclear Medicine Society 2001). 

---