It’s generally thought that sleep apnea is only experienced by adults. However, the truth of the matter is that many children suffer from the condition too, and this can have an impact on their health and development.
Sleep Apnea in Children: Signs to Look Out For
Most parents tend to notice when something isn’t quite right with their child. Here are a few signs to look out for if you’re worried that they may have sleep apnea.
- Heavy breathing at night. When asleep, listen to your child’s breathing. If it sounds particularly heavy or labored, this could be a sign of sleep apnea.
- Disruptive snoring. Many children snore in their sleep. However, if your child snored very loudly or has an irregular snore, this is another classic sign.
- Excessive tiredness. If your child seems very tired during the day, even after a seemingly uninterrupted night, this may indicate that they’re not getting a good enough quality of sleep and that something may be preventing them from doing so.
- Occasionally, poor sleep can manifest itself in other ways, and children may be become hyperactive or unable to concentrate for long periods of time.
Getting Your Child Tested for Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause long-term health problems so it’s important to get your child tested if you’re concerned they may have the condition.
Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, there are a range of treatments available to help your child to enjoy an uninterrupted night’s sleep once again. This can include medication or in some cases, surgery. This is particularly likely if your child’s problem is caused by the size of their tonsils or adenoids.
To arrange to have your child tested for sleep apnea, simply get in contact with Blackstone Medical Services at 888-710-2727.