Does your child snore or show signs of disturbed sleep, including long pauses in breathing, tossing and turning in bed or night sweats? All these are possible symptoms of sleep apnea. It is estimated that 1 to 4 percent of children suffer from sleep apnea, and many of them are between 2 and 8 years old.
Symptoms of sleep apnea in children during sleep:
- Snoring loudly on a regular basis
- Having pauses, gasps and snorts
- May actually stop breathing
- Being restless or sleeping in abnormal positions
- Sweating heavily
While sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder, it may also affect children during the day. Restless sleep can contribute to the following:
- Hyperactivity
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Headaches during the day
- Being irritable, agitated, aggressive and cranky
- Speaking with a nasal voice and breathing irregularly through the mouth
- Having behavioral, school, and social problems
If you think your child may be suffering from sleep apnea, call our office for a consultation right away.
