Sleep is essential for a child’s health and development, but when sleep disorders disrupt rest, the entire family can be affected. At Texas Children’s West Campus Sleep Center, sleep technologists like Lydia Henry, RPSGT, CCSH play a crucial role in helping children achieve better sleep, which is fundamental to their well-being.
Lydia works overnight in the sleep lab, monitoring patients to ensure physicians receive high-quality data needed to diagnose and treat pediatric sleep disorders. Her expertise and commitment directly impact the care and recovery of our young patients, helping them to rest better and improve their overall health.
The rewards of being a sleep technologist
For Lydia, the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with the children and families she serves. She recalled one particularly touching experience when a nervous young patient, whom she had comforted during a sleep study, returned to the lab just to give her a hug before surgery. “Some kiddos come in very sick or scared, and seeing their resiliency is incredibly moving,” she said.
Lydia also enjoys the unique benefits of working the night shift. The schedule allows her to be available for personal matters during the day, attend her daughter’s school functions and spend quality time with her family. “It’s easier to visit my daughter during lunch or be there when she’s home sick from school,” she explained.
The quiet hours
Overnight, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Sleep Center, the atmosphere is quieter compared to the bustle of the hospital during daytime. Lydia begins her shift by reviewing her assigned patient’s history and attending a team huddle with physicians and staff to discuss the evening’s patients and their specific needs. Afterward, she prepares the room and sets up the necessary equipment for the sleep study.
When the patient arrives, Lydia welcomes the child and their family, explains the procedure and goes over brief paperwork. Following the guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, she carefully places wires and sensors on the patient to monitor vital signs and sleep patterns throughout the night. “It’s essential that the sensors stay in place for accurate readings and patient safety,” she emphasized.
And, of course, there is the lighter side of working at night. Lydia and her team at West Campus often encounter mysterious noises and events. Whenever something odd happens, the team blames their mischievous “ghost” named Theo and carries on with a smile.
Lighting up lives
With 24 years of experience—eight of them at Texas Children’s—Lydia has touched the lives of many children and families. Her passion for sleep technology began as a teenager, when she would watch her sister (also a sleep tech) prepare for patients. Fascinated by the equipment and procedures, Lydia decided to pursue the same path, and her journey eventually led her to our Sleep Center.
Lydia’s dedication to her work is evident in her interactions with patients and families. Her ability to comfort nervous children, coupled with her skill in collecting accurate data, makes a significant difference in the lives of those she cares for. With her years of experience and passion for helping others, Lydia is a shining example of the exceptional care provided at the Texas Children’s Sleep Center.