10 Obvious Signs Your Child’s Snoring Is Already a Problem

Yes, about 12 percent of the children’s population snores at night. Although it could be what we call “habitual snoring”, we cannot erase the fact that it may also be sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a very serious disorder that may significantly impact a child’s growth, cognitive development, as well as cardiovascular wellness. So, to help you identify whether or not your child’s snoring is something that needs medical attention or need these snoring devices, here are some signs to watch out for.

1. Frequent and Heavy Sweating at Night

If you notice your child frequently sleeps at night, you might need to take action. It could be caused by overactivity of the nervous system while asleep. Because there is a low supply of oxygen, the body is forced to breathe against a restricted airway, which results in snoring.

2. Breastbone and Rib Cage That Move Inwards While Breathing In

This could also be caused by forcing air through a limited airway.

3. Unusual Sleep Positions

It is normal for kids with sleep apnea to experience a hyperactive extension of the neck. That is their way of helping keep the airway clear and open.

4. Headaches Every Morning

Two things may trigger these morning headaches. First, there could be a low oxygen supply while asleep. Second, there might be an increased blood pressure level.

5. Severe Bed Wetting

According to studies, sleep apnea is very common among bedwetters. In fact, in a group of kid participants who had sleep apnea, 42 percent of them were bedwetters. However, after the treatment, about 66 percent of them showed signs of improvement.

6. Night Terrors and Frequent Sleepwalking

Sleep apnea is a major cause for night terrors and sleepwalks. Believe it or not, kids with sleep apnea, who were sleepwalking, began to show signs of improvement after they were treated.

7. Inattentiveness and Hyperactivity at School

Sad to say, many kids with sleep apnea are mistakenly diagnosed as having ADHD. To avoid this, experts recommend careful screening and discussions about snoring. As a parent, you don’t want to compromise your child’s health for misdiagnosis.

8. Down Syndrome

A large percentage of kids with down syndrome also have sleep apnea. When left untreated, chances are, their overall mental development and health may be affected.

9.  Pediatric Hypertension

Experts suggest that kids with hypertension should be carefully checked and screened for signs of sleep apnea. That way, complications may be prevented before they become worse.

10. Obesity

Sleep apnea is prevalent among obese kids. Untreated, it may cause them to become more hypertensive, prone to metabolic disorders, and become resistant to insulin. Also, it may hinder their ability to shed excess pounds.

As what the numbers are saying, sleep apnea is becoming more and more common in kids. Then again, parents can do something about that. In fact, it can be easily treated. If left as is, it could leave unwanted effects on development and health. So, the moment you notice your child snoring chronically or is showing any of the symptoms we mentioned above, make and effort and take him to the doctor for medical attention.