How to Spot Sleep Apnea in Children

You used to like waking your child up in the morning. They were so eager to start the day despite being a bit drowsy. Something about the situation just made everything they did that much more adorable. Lately, however, it’s become a bit of a task. They always seem tired despite getting enough sleep. They are having problems staying focused in school, and you’re concerned about their loud snoring. Did you know they might be suffering from sleep apnea? Today we’re going to talk about how to identify and treat sleep apnea in children.

What to Look For

In order to properly diagnose sleep apnea in your child, they would need to visit their otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor), or participate in a sleep study. However, there are a few signs you can try to observe yourself while your child is sleeping:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Pauses or gasps while they are breathing
• Heavy sweating while sleeping
• Consistent bed-wetting

These are all common signs of sleep apnea. Just like with adults, sleep apnea can bring about a myriad of problems. The most obvious is that your child is simply tired all the time, making it harder for them to regulate their emotions or focus during school. Many children who are diagnosed with ADHD are actually having attention issues due to sleep apnea. It can also cause consistent headaches in the morning. Sleep apnea has also been shown to be the result of (as well as a cause of) obesity. It can easily lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular and lung problems.

What Can You Do About It?

Sleep apnea therapy for children often involves surgery to remove the tonsils. A simpler and much less invasive solution is to use an oral appliance from Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine. It’s a mouth guard that they would wear every night to bed that would help keep their airway open. It does this by slightly shifting the jaw forward, preventing the tissue in their mouth and throat from obstructing their breathing. Every oral appliance is custom-fitted for each patient, assuring that it is comfortable and easy to wear. They are made of flexible yet durable materials, assuring they will last over time. It is much easier to have a child consistently wear an oral appliance than use a CPAP machine, which is why it tends to be the easiest and most practical solution for children with sleep apnea.

Is It Right For My Child?

The only way to figure out if an oral appliance could help your child’s sleep apnea is to come see us. Dr. Romack will talk to you and your child and figure out what would be the best solution for their sleep. Sleep is very important for children while they are growing and learning, so let us help them, and call us today.