Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder which can affect adults as well as children. Pediatric sleep apnea is a condition in which the breathing of the child briefly stops while sleeping. There are two types of sleep apnea that can affect children. Obstructive sleep apnea which is the most common type and central sleep apnea. Snoring is more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea. Not just sleep, this condition can affect the overall health of the child in several other ways. Disturbed sleeping pattern leads to reduces efficiency in performing day to day activities. Here are some signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in children you should not miss.
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea
Some common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in children which can be noticed in both the types are-
- Loud snoring
- Breathing from mouth
- Pauses in breathing
- Restless sleep
- Bed wetting
- Sleeping in poor position
- Heavy breathing during sleep
- Night terrors
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Sleep apnea in children may lead to loud snoring
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Not getting enough sleep directly affects day to day activities and mood of the child during the day. It can also have an indirect effect on performance at school. Some of these may include-
- Difficulty in learning
- Unhealthy weight, either underweight or overweight
- Behavioural problems
- Fatigue during the day
- Difficulty in waking up in the morning
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In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are one of the major causes of sleep apnea. Obesity may also lead to sleep apnea in children as well as adults. Some conditions like neuromuscular disorder may also contribute to this condition. If not controlled on time, pediatric sleep apnea can lead to heart related issues or improper growth.
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