Charles H. Pohl, MD
Director
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-955-2597
Fax: 215-923-9519

The Network for Apnea and Pediatric Sleep Evaluations (NAPS) at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital provides specialized services to the pediatric population. Infants and children who are suspected of having sleep problems or who have been diagnosed with sleep disorders have the opportunity to meet a pediatrician and advanced practice nurse who specialize in infant apnea and pediatric sleep disorders. The program emphasizes continuity of care and close communication with families and their primary care physician. Children with various sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea, sleep awakenings, sleep terrors, sleep walking, narcolepsy, chronic snoring, as well as poor sleep habits, can have a thorough evaluation in order to provide the necessary management of the sleep problem. During the outpatient visits, a pediatrician who specializes in sleep medicine has the opportunity to speak with the primary caretakers of the child and will answer any questions they may have.

When necessary, the program facilitates arrangements for appropriate referrals and studies within the Jefferson Health System network. The staff works in concert with the child’s primary care practitioner to ensure maximum cooperation and communication so that each infant or child's problem can be dealt with in the context of his or her overall health.

NAPS also evaluates and follows high-risk infants. This high-risk population consists of those infants experiencing difficulties on home monitors, on gastroesophageal reflux therapy (i.e. prokinetic agents), or on apnea medications (i.e. caffeine, theophylline).