What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea in Children?

SLEEP DISORDER WARNING SIGNS FOR PARENTS

Most people think of sleep apnea as a problem for adults, but in reality, kids can and do suffer from this sleep disorder. If your child has sleep apnea, it is important to address it as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of potentially dangerous complications. If you notice any sleep apnea signs in your child, consider consulting with his or her doctor and scheduling an overnight sleep test.  

Snoring 

As with adults, snoring is a significant indicator of sleep apnea in children. Not every child who snores has sleep apnea, but nearly every child who has sleep apnea snores. Pay attention to the sound of your child snoring. If he or she seems to stop snoring while gasping for breath, and then resumes snoring, sleep apnea could be to blame. Your pediatrician may recommend that your child have an overnight sleep study if he or she has these symptoms to see if he or she stops breathing at regular intervals during the night.  

Night Sweats 

Night sweats are another indicator that your child could be having breathing problems as he or she sleeps. During apnea episodes, your child may toss and turn and begin to sweat in response to the increased effort required to breathe. Night sweats can also be a sign of other medical problems, so it is important to work with your child’s doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.  

ADHD 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, may have a link to sleep apnea. Sleep medicine studies indicate that sleep apnea could actually be to blame for ADHD symptoms in about 25% of diagnosed kids. Fractured, disrupted sleep often leads to daytime learning and behavioral issues that are consistent with ADHD.  

For kids suffering from sleep apnea, diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be life-changing. If you notice sleep apnea signs in your child, it may be time for an overnight sleep study in New Jersey. Sleep Dynamics can help. To talk to one of our sleep specialists, call (848) 217-0240.