Delegate: Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep, Shishuka Childrens Hospital
Delegate Short Bio:
Scope of Activity: Enduring program
Activity: In observance of World Sleep Day 2026, the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Shishuka Children’s Specialty Hospital conducted a comprehensive series of academic, clinical, and community-oriented initiatives centered around the global theme “Sleep Well, Live Better.”
The activities were designed to promote awareness about the critical role of sleep in child health, strengthen healthcare provider knowledge, empower caregivers, and foster collaborative research in pediatric sleep medicine across India.
1. Capacity Building: Nursing Education Initiative
An interactive and structured teaching session was conducted by Dr. Priyadarshini for the nursing staff of the hospital. The session titled “Pediatric Sleep: Recommendations, Commandments, and Parent Engagement in Clinical Practice” focused on:
Age-appropriate sleep recommendations in children
Identification of common pediatric sleep disorders
Practical “sleep commandments” for daily clinical application
Effective communication strategies for engaging parents in both OPD and inpatient settings
To objectively assess the impact of this educational intervention, a pre- and post-session Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey was administered.
The survey demonstrated measurable improvement in awareness and confidence among nursing staff.
Data analysis is currently underway, and the findings are being prepared for academic publication, contributing to capacity-building literature in pediatric sleep medicine.
2. Creative Awareness Campaign: Poster and Reels Competition
To encourage active participation and creative expression, a poster and reels competition was organized among nursing staff and interns.
Participants developed visually engaging educational material aligned with the theme “Sleep Well, Live Better.”
Topics included sleep hygiene, screen time reduction, importance of bedtime routines, and recognition of sleep disorders in children.
Selected entries were prominently displayed in the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) laboratory, thereby extending awareness to patients and caregivers.
Winners were recognized and awarded vouchers, fostering enthusiasm and ownership of sleep health advocacy.
3. International Speaker Programme (March 13, 2026)
A flagship academic event was conducted as an online international webinar, moderated by Dr. Bharath Reddy, bringing together experts in pediatric sleep medicine from across the globe.
Distinguished speakers included:
Tejas Suri (India): Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Pediatric Health and Development
Omendra Narayan (UAE): Consumer Sleep wearables in Pediatric Sleep Medicine
Hemant Kulkarni (UK): Beyond AHI: Expanding Perspectives in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The session was attended by a multidisciplinary audience including pediatric pulmonologists, ENT specialists, sleep dentists, general pediatricians, and sleep medicine alumni.
The discussions emphasized evolving paradigms beyond conventional indices such as AHI
The session was highly interactive, with robust Q&A engagement and exchange of clinical experiences
4. National Multicentre Research Collaboration
A major outcome of the World Sleep Day initiative was the formulation of a multicentre collaborative research project aimed at estimating the prevalence of pediatric sleep disorders in India.
Spearheaded by Aanchal
Involves 18 centers across India through the DPSM alumni network
Focus areas include study design standardization, data collection protocols, and multicentric coordination
This initiative represents an important step toward generating large-scale epidemiological data in pediatric sleep medicine in India, a currently under-researched domain.
5. OPD-Based Study on Sleep Awareness in Parents
A hospital-based observational study has been conceptualized to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding sleep in children attending general pediatric OPD services.
Led by Anu Issac
Aims to identify gaps in awareness, cultural practices, and misconceptions related to sleep
Findings are expected to inform targeted educational interventions for families
6. Parent Engagement Programme: Sleep in Neurodivergent Children
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent children, a focused awareness session was conducted for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Dr. Priyadarshini addressed:
Normal sleep architecture and developmental variations
Common sleep disturbances in neurodivergent children
Impact of comorbidities such as behavioral and sensory issues on sleep
Evidence-based and practical management strategies for improving sleep quality
The session enabled meaningful parent interaction and addressed real-world concerns, reinforcing the importance of individualized sleep care.
7. Launch of Specialized Head Shape Clinic
As part of expanding clinical services, a Head Shape Clinic was inaugurated across Shishuka centers.
This clinic is dedicated to children with:
Craniosynostosis
Craniofacial anomalies associated with complex obstructive sleep apnea
Services include:
Comprehensive sleep evaluation and polysomnography
CPAP initiation and titration
Pre-operative optimization for craniofacial surgeries
Post-operative pulmonary and sleep follow-up
This initiative highlights the integration of sleep medicine into multidisciplinary care pathways for complex pediatric conditions.
8. Sleep Dentistry Team Collaboration
A focused discussion was conducted with the Sleep Dentistry and Myofunctional Therapy team at Shishuka Children’s Specialty Hospital to promote an airway-centered approach to pediatric sleep health.
The session emphasized routine screening for sleep-disordered breathing during well-child visits, early identification of craniofacial risk factors, and the role of myofunctional therapy in improving airway function.
A multidisciplinary care model involving pediatric pulmonologists, dentists, and therapists was reinforced to enable early intervention and preventive management of pediatric sleep disorders.
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Date of Activity: 13.03.2026
