Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a common issue that affects not just adults, but children as well. It’s estimated that about 10 percent of children snore regularly. For most, it isn’t a problem, but for 2 to 4 percent, snoring may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition that can lead to long-term health complications.

Snoring occurs when there is a blockage in airflow through the nose and mouth, often due to the relaxation of throat muscles. This causes the tongue, uvula, and soft palate to vibrate as your child breathes. Factors such as obesity, jaw or tongue abnormalities, or neuromuscular disorders can contribute to this obstruction.

Quality sleep is vital for your child’s growth and development, and snoring can interfere with that. Daytime fatigue from poor sleep may result in learning difficulties and has been linked to attention deficit disorders in some children.

Children who snore may become irritable, moody, and are at risk for various health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and lung conditions. Snoring may also cause increased nighttime urine production, leading to bedwetting. Additionally, it can create social challenges when a child shares a room with siblings or friends.

While snoring isn’t always a sign of a serious issue, if your child snores loudly and regularly, especially if it’s accompanied by gasping for air or restless movements during sleep, it’s important to consult a doctor specializing in sleep disorders.

The most concerning form of snoring is obstructive sleep apnea, which involves repeated pauses in breathing that can last 30 seconds or more. This can lead to daytime tiredness, learning difficulties, and other health problems. In severe cases, sleep apnea can also impact growth because the body burns extra calories just to breathe properly, even during sleep.

In many cases, snoring in children is caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Surgical removal can often restore normal breathing, though this is usually reserved for more severe cases. For less serious symptoms, doctors may recommend monitoring, lifestyle changes like weight loss, or treatments such as CPAP devices or mouth guards to maintain proper airflow.