If not all but, many children snore occasionally in their sleep. Snoring occurs during sleep when the child faces some blockage of air at the back of the throat. More the loudness less will be the opening. Children of three years or older tend to snore in their deeper stages of sleep. However, basic snoring cannot be associated with more serious problems of sleep apnea.
Snoring can also occur because of a respiratory infection or an allergy. It could also be a symptom of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder that occurs when a person’s sleep is disturbed by repeated breathing. It affects the way a person breathes when in sleep. Thus, sleep can become interrupted or can become shallow. There can be a pause that can vary from 10 to 20 seconds and the occurrence can be higher leaving you to have a light sleep. This happens because the brain and the rest of the body do not get enough oxygen.
If you snore loudly and be tired even after a full night’s sleep, there can be chances of you suffering from sleep apnea.
Children may suffer from breathing problems during their sleep. However, if snoring is accompanied with gasps or pauses, the child may suffer from sleep apnea. The gasp could vary from a few seconds to a minute. The gasping could result in awakening and breathing again. This could lead to tiredness and drowsiness in the child throughout the day.
Factors contributing to sleep apnea in children
The following factors could lead to sleep apnea in your child; the most of them being large tonsils. Children suffer through tonsils issue in a tender age. These swollen tonsils don’t let proper air pass through the neck. The act as a barrier and may in the later stages signify sleep apnea.
- Large tonsils
- Obesity
- Throat infections and allergies
- Asthma
Signs and symptoms that your child may be suffering from sleep apnea
If your child is suffering from sleep apnea, he/she could do the following in the night.
- Snoring loudly on a regular basis
- Regular gasps or pauses that lead to awakening and disruption in sleep
- Restlessness in sleep
- Sweat during sleep
Whereas, the child may usually do the following during the day.
- Difficulty in waking up
- Headache complaints especially in the morning hours
- Aggressiveness and agitation in behavior
- Sleepiness during the day
If your child is having any of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor soon. If the same doctor can’t help you figure out your problem, he will surely be able to refer to the best sleep specialist.
Also, the market has a number of effective anti-snoring devices that help in eradicating snoring. Your doctor will help you in selecting the best anti-snoring device.
Also Read- 5 Steps to Get Relief from Snoring