There are many sleep disorders that can affect children, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Here at the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit, every parent’s priority is the overall health and wellness of their child. As a parent, it’s critical to remember that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not discriminating. It affects any age and is, in fact, a common condition in childhood. It, however, is not normal and should be treated sooner rather than later.
Sleep disorder is a broad term used to describe conditions that result in changes in the way that you sleep. Sleep disorders can affect the health, safety and quality of life of your child. It has been found that sleep deprivation and other side effects of sleep apnea can even mimic symptoms of ADHD and lead to false diagnoses.
The TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit is an evidence-based sleep apnea, sleep disorder and TMJ treatment center in Southeast Michigan. Our team of professionals, led by Dr. Roman Sadikoff, provides relief from pain and sleep disorders, using innovative methods and custom oral appliances.
Call the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit now for your free consultation at (586) 949-2516.
Symptoms of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Unfortunately, if it’s not treated early in life, sleep disorders like sleep apnea can result in quality of life and health complications, including:
- Delayed development
- Impaired intelligence
- Nervous system dysfunction
- Memory loss and depression
- Weight gain and obesity
Sleep apnea can also have behavioral consequence as well, related to:
- Decreased performance in school
- Learning difficulties
- Hyperactivity
- Aggressiveness
- Social isolation and withdrawal
Monitoring Your Child
As a parent, you may wonder what you can do to monitor your child for symptoms of sleep disordered breathing. Ask yourself these questions:
- Does your child wake up in the morning in the same position they fell asleep in?
- Are your child’s bed sheets neatly placed or strewn about the bed in the morning?
- Does your child have dark circles under their eyes?
- Does your child have difficulty paying attention?
- Does your child grind their teeth at night?
If you answered yes to any or all of these, your child may suffer from sleep apnea. It’s imperative that they be examined for further clues as to this condition. Proper evaluation and diagnosis is the key, preferably early on in their lives.
Additional Symptoms
Snoring is of course a major symptom of sleep apnea. But snoring is just one indicator. Grinding the teeth at night is another big red flag. Other symptoms may include:
- Mouth breathing
- Headaches
- Restlessness during sleep
- Sleeping in odd positions
- Night terrors and night sweats
- Frequent infections, including recurrent ear infections
- Mood changes
- Periods of not breathing at night
- Poor concentration, especially in school
- Bed wetting
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Snoring
- Daytime fatigue
Obstructive sleep apnea affects more than just the child – its impacts the whole family. Learn more about how you can get your child properly treated for OSA.
Get help for your child from the TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Metro Detroit, Michigan’s leading center for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea and TMJ-related problems. Call us now for your free consultation on sleep disorders in Southeast Michigan at (586) 949-2516.