Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder affecting millions of children worldwide. If your child has sleep apnea, it can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and other health problems. In this article, we’ll discuss sleep apnea, the symptoms to look for in young children, and potential treatments.
What is sleep apnea?
Pauses in breathing during sleep characterize sleep apnea. These pauses cause a person to wake up multiple times throughout the night without being aware they were asleep. This disruption can result in tiredness during the day and problems with focus and concentration at school or work.
Symptoms to look for in children
Several signs indicate sleep apnea in young children, including:
- Snoring
Most people think of snoring as a regular part of sleep, but it can be a sign of sleep apnea in children. If your child snores loudly or frequently, it could be an indication they have sleep apnea.
- Mouth breathing
Children with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouth instead of their nose while sleeping. It is due to the pauses in breathing during sleep that makes it difficult for them to get enough oxygen through their nose.
- Bedwetting
Poor sleep quality caused by sleep apnea can lead to bedwetting, even in children who have been dry for years.
Treatments
The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Some of the recommended treatments include:
- Weight Loss
If your child is overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms by decreasing the pressure on their airways during sleep.
- Exercise
Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
- Medical Devices
A doctor may prescribe a sleep mask or other device to keep the airway open during sleep. It helps prevent pauses in breathing and improves sleep quality.
The Final Thought
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder affecting millions of children worldwide. If your child has sleep apnea, it can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and other health problems. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes and medical interventions such as weight loss, exercise, and sleep masks. If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep quality, talk to your doctor about potential treatments.
Children’s most common sleep apnea symptoms are snoring, mouth breathing and bedwetting.
Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise and medical interventions such as sleep masks.
Yes, sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder and can lead to tiredness during the day and problems with focus and concentration at school or work. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you think your child might have sleep apnea.