Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that affects 2-3% of children, including babies as reported by the National Sleep Foundation. Obstructive sleep apnea can be passed down to children, so if you or your spouse suffers from sleep apnea then there’s a higher chance that your children may have the sleep disorder as well. Children who have enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils are at a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea as their airway can easily be blocked by the enlarged tissue. Other hereditary factors that increase the risk that your child may have or develop obstructive sleep apnea include having a large tongue or a small jaw. Children that have additional medical conditions such as Down syndrome and Cerebral Palsy often have less muscle tone, which can also contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.

In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors can also contribute to the possibility of your child developing a sleeping disorder. For example, children who are obese or those who are exposed to tobacco smoke tend to be at a higher risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea.

Signs Your Child May Have Sleep Apnea

There are signs that you can look for that may indicate that your child should be evaluated for sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your child’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked while they are sleeping. This causes the child to stop breathing momentarily several times during the night. If you notice that your child has irregular breathing that stops frequently, snoring, or wakes up gasping for air then they may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Your child may also show signs of sweating excessively during the night due to their body fighting to breathe. They may also complain of headaches during the day.

The interruption in breathing reduces oxygen levels in your child’s blood and body which can negatively impact them in several ways. You may notice that your child is quite restless while they sleep, frequently tossing and turning or moving into unusual positions. They may be difficult to wake in the morning, acting as though they hadn’t gotten enough rest during the night. You may notice behavioral changes in your child if they are suffering from sleep apnea. These changes can also carry over into their school work making it difficult for them to concentrate, resulting in a drop in their grades or a decline in their work. Your child may appear to be tired throughout the course of the day or they may experience an increase in bedwetting accidents at night.

Not only does sleep apnea disrupt their rest cycle, but it is hard on their growing bodies if they aren’t getting the oxygen that they need. If sleep apnea is left untreated in your child, they may continue to experience problems with concentration and attentiveness. They may also have other physical impacts such as heart problems or even death.

It’s important that you speak with your doctor if you feel that your child may be suffering from sleep apnea. It is treatable and getting treatment can help prevent your child from having additional issues that may arise from the sleeping disorder.

Treating My Child’s Sleep Apnea

After you’ve spoken with your doctor they may suggest that your child undergo a sleep study to determine if they are in fact suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. There are several options for sleep studies which your doctor can discuss with you in detail. Most often, you and your child will spend the night in a sleep center where they will be closely monitored with sensors that feed data into a computer for evaluation by your doctor. If your doctor determines that your child is suffering from sleep apnea, then they will walk you through the various treatment options for your child’s specific case.

Treatment plans may vary depending on the cause of your child’s sleep apnea. Many times, children can outgrow their sleep apnea as their airways and throats mature. However, those who have enlarged adenoids and tonsils may need surgery to remove the tissue that is blocking the airway. This is the most common treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea and is effective for 80% to 90% of children who suffer from the sleeping disorder.

Additional treatment plans may include the use of a CPAP machine. Using a mask, a CPAP machine provides continuous positive airway pressure to help keep your child’s airway open with the gentle use of air pressure. Doctors are constantly developing more effective and desirable ways of achieving this goal through modern technology. Your doctor will be able to discuss which devices they feel will be most beneficial to your child and their unique case of sleep apnea.

If you have any additional questions about sleep disorders in children or if you feel that your child may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, call us at Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350.