One of the many joys in the life of a parent is watching their child sleep. When your child goes to bed, do you check on them during the night and watch them sleep for a while? Have you noticed problems such as snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep?
Are they having problems staying focused, experiencing mood changes, or acting out at home or school? As you know, the health and well-being of your child are vital to their growth and development. At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre, we want to increase awareness of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
What Is Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing?
Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing is disrupted breathing during sleep. The disruptions cause your child’s breathing to become shallow or stop periodically during sleep. The term covers all breathing problems during sleep, ranging from frequent snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Children with SDB have symptoms easily mistaken for other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They may display hyperactive behavior, impulsivity, lack of focus, and struggle with their studies, which can lead to prescriptions to treat their symptoms and not the underlying issue.
Causes of Pediatric SDB
- Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
- Oversized tongue
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Obesity
- Abnormalities with the jaw, mouth, or throat
Some Symptoms of Pediatric SDB
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Bedwetting
- Teeth grinding
- Mouth breathing
- Recurring ear infections
- Night terrors
Complications of Pediatric SDB
Children who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing are at risk for behavioral, emotional, and cognitive development issues, and health problems. Untreated pediatric SDB can cause complications such as hyperactivity, aggressiveness, depression, memory loss, developmental delay, and cardiovascular problems.
When children lack proper sleep, their brain development and growth suffers because growth hormones are released during sleep. If you suspect your child is affected by sleep-disordered breathing, seek an evaluation as soon as possible.
There are several treatment options available to improve your child’s sleeping patterns. To learn more about pediatric sleep-disordered breathing and how we can help, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Granger, Indiana, and the surrounding areas.