Children with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may contribute to daytime fatigue and behavioral problems at school. According to a recent study in CHEST, the official journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, children who snored loudly are twice as likely to have learning problems.
Following a night of poor sleep children are more likely to be hyperactive and have difficulty paying attention. These are also signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Apnea may also be associated with delayed growth and cardiovascular problems.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Children
During the night, children with sleep apnea may:
- Snore loudly on a regular basis
- Have pauses, gasps and snorts and actually stop breathing
- Be restless of sleep in abnormal positions with their head in unusual positions
- Sweat heavily during sleep
During the day, children with sleep apnea may:
- Have behavioral, school and social problems
- Be difficult to wake up
- Have headaches during the day, especially in the morning
- Be irritable, agitated, aggressive and cranky
- Be so sleepy during the day they actually fall asleep or daydream
- Speak with a nasal voice and breathe through the mouth
Download a Pediatric Sleep History Form
