Patients as young as infants can now be closely monitored, diagnosed and treated for sleep disorders and seizures without having to leave their community.

In November, the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital became home to the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center and Epilepsy Monitoring Unit – the only program of its kind in the area for patients from infancy through age 18, according to officials.

Specialized equipment was installed in the hospital, allowing for close study of pediatric patients with sleep disturbances and suspected seizure activity.

The technology is part of the pediatric neurology program that began in March 2014 with the arrival on staff of pediatric neurologist Sasid Taravath.

The new sleep disorders center admits patients as young as infants for a one-night study. Those who are admitted for sleep studies may be struggling with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, bedwetting, sleepwalking, narcolepsy, insomnia, hypersomnia or a combination of conditions.

Throughout the night, a registered sleep technician measures and records results using highly specialized equipment. Taravath can then diagnose specific sleep disorders and prescribe appropriate treatment.

The unit saw its first patient Nov. 11.