Melatonin for your Child’s Sleep EEG
Your child will soon be coming to Kingfisher Ward East Wing Entrance 1 Level 2 at Dorset County Hospital for a sleep EEG test with Melatonin. The appointment can take up to three hours.
On the morning of the test, please phone Kingfisher Ward on 01305 254253 to confirm you are coming and that the room is still available.
If you decide you do not want your child to have the test, please telephone Clinical Neurophysiology on 01305 255255 to let us know so the appointment can be offered to another person.
Patient information sheet – please complete and bring to your appointment
| Child’s name: Address: Date of birth: Telephone number: GP: Known medical conditions: Known allergies: | Current medication Date of last event (if applicable): Note: Further information may be needed during the appointment including: – Your child’s medical history – When the event (s) started – Description of event (s) – Frequency of event (s) |
| Next of Kin name: Parent / guardian: (Specify) address: Telephone number: | Attached test description (below) has been read: YES/NO This leaflet gives information and advice relevant to the test. It is important that you read it before attending your appointment. |
| Escort details Name: Relationship (for example partner/relative): | Consent A parent or legal guardian should accompany the child to confirm consent. Escorts We understand that you may wish to bring a family member/advocate to the appointment for support. We are happy to accommodate where appropriate, and will confirm that you are happy for that person to be present as we may need to discuss medical history. However In the interest of the test we only permit one additional person into the recording room. It is not advisable to bring children to the appointment. |
What is a Melatonin sleep EEG test?
It is a recording of the natural electrical activity of the brain taken after giving Melatonin to encourage your child to sleep. Your child may have been unwilling to have the test while awake. Also, recording when asleep may give information not previously seen when awake. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone (chemical messenger) found deep inside the brain and is thought to be important in the production of sleep. We use a manmade version that comes as a tablet/capsule/liquid. The dose is calculated for your child to induce sleep and is not associated with excessive sleepiness on waking.
What should we do beforehand?
- Keep your child up as late as you can the night before and wake him/her up very early on the day of the EEG
- Wash and dry your child’s hair, keep it free from all hair products such as gel, oils or spray
- Please do not stop any prescribed medication, unless you have been specifically told to do so
- Meals should be taken as usual; your child should not arrive hungry. Avoid caffeine drinks
- Bring a favourite bed-time comforter and/or bottle if you like.
Where do we go when we arrive?
Please go straight to Kingfisher Ward where the test will take place.
How is Melatonin given?
A nurse will take written consent from a parent or legal guardian for the melatonin to be given. It is usually swallowed with a drink, stirred into a favourite yogurt, or in a medicine syringe. It usually takes about 20-60 minutes to work. If necessary, a top-up dose may be given later.
How do you encourage sleep?
We try to ensure a quiet, peaceful environment. A baby or young child may like to cuddle on an adult’s lap or lie on a bed if they prefer. We will darken the room and wait until your child is asleep or drowsy before the EEG test begins.
What happens during the test?
When your child has gone to sleep or is very drowsy, we may measure the head and gently apply up to 23 wires to the scalp using a water-soluble paste; there is only a little gentle rubbing. Then, a computer records the brainwave activity for about 20 to 30 minutes and a video also records the test. Afterwards the wires are removed, and you can tidy your child’s hair. The paste washes out easily afterwards.
Why do you record a video?
Digital video is recorded for technical reasons and to aid interpretation. Only sections that aid interpretation are kept. You will be asked for your consent for us to record the video.
How long will the test take?
Please allow at least three hours at the hospital. It is impossible to be exact as all children are different and it depends upon how long it takes your child to settle to sleep. Once we start the EEG it usually takes about an hour.
What happens if my child does not sleep?
We always strive to achieve the best result we can for each child. However, occasionally, a child does not sleep, and we cannot obtain a recording so we will write and tell the referring doctor.
Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects from recording an EEG; however occasionally children are tired afterwards from the melatonin. If you have any concerns after the test you should seek advice from your consultant.
When will we get the results?
Results are sent to the consultant who requested the test. This usually takes two to three weeks.
Contact us
Please phone the department on 01305 255255 if you have any further questions.
About this leaflet
Author: Claire Bracey
Written: July 2022
Approved: July 2022
Review date: 2025
Edition: v1
If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk
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