Is your child constantly tired or irritable during the day? Are they starting to slip in school? It could be that they suffer from one of the most common sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep disturbances and disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, are common in young children, resulting in serious health problems if not treated.
Remember, it’s not normal for your child to snore, as snoring alone can cause delays in cognitive development. The human body needs an uninterrupted flow of oxygen to fully develop and recover from the day’s activities. Growth hormones are released during deep sleep, making proper breathing essential in preventing impaired or delayed development.
There is a wide spectrum of sleep disorders affecting children, from insomnia to sleep walking, but the most common by far is obstructive sleep apnea, affecting between one and three percent of children in the United States, according to Sleep Disorders in Pediatric Dentistry.
If you suspect your child as a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, make an appointment with the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit at (586) 949-2516.
We can get to the bottom of their condition and find a solution that works for the whole family. It starts with a diagnostic sleep study at home and may entail a customized orthodontic appliance to relieve the problem.
Is Your Child Suffering From Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can and does happen in kids, even in children as young as two years old. It’s a very real problem getting worse in America today. Don’t assume your kid doesn’t have it. In fact, obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in children.
Does your child snore, show behavioral problems or have difficulty paying attention? If so, your child could suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Check out these stats:
- Habitual snoring occurs in seven to 13 percent of preschool- and school-aged children
- OSA is present in two to three percent of all two to eight year olds
- Sleep apnea is most prevalent between the ages of four and 10
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that all children get screened for snoring as well as dental issues that could be contributing to it. As part of a routine and regular healthcare maintenance plan for all children, pediatricians should inquire whether the child snores. If yes, a more detailed evaluation with a specialist like Dr. Roman Sadikoff should follow.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea is Different From Adult Sleep Apnea
Characteristics of sleep disordered breathing is different in kids than in adults. There are basic developmental reasons why children differ from adults, including:
- Smaller airway
- More fatigable muscles
- Less respiratory reserve
- More collapsible airway
- Younger age
Contact the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit
Sadly, children with OSA are frequently diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication, when in fact their problems may stem from sleep deprivation due to sleep apnea. Get your children properly diagnosed today. Call the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit today at (586) 949-2516 for a consultation.