How Can I Tell if My Child Has Sleep Apnea?

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Sat 03/25/2023 - 09:00

Sleep apnea can affect people of any age, even children. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder. If you have children, it is important that you understand the signs that your child may have sleep apnea. In this blog, Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein discuss how you can tell if your child has sleep apnea.    

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can cause breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. Sleep apnea in children can impact their health and well-being. That is why early diagnosis and treatment is so important.

How To Tell if Your Child Has Sleep Apnea

The only way to know for sure if your child has sleep apnea is by talking to a doctor. As with adults, sleep apnea in children is diagnosed using a sleep study. However, sleep apnea often presents with a number of symptoms. If your child is experiencing any of the below symptoms, you should schedule a sleep apnea consultation.

Snoring

Snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea. If you personally notice that your child is regularly and loudly snoring, or if others in the household complain of your child’s snores, then they may have sleep apnea.

Irregular Breathing

Irregular breathing is also a sign of sleep apnea. If possible, observe your child while they sleep. If you notice that your child seems to stop/start breathing, makes choking or gasping noises or wakes up throughout the night to catch their breath, they may have sleep apnea.

Daytime Sleepiness

Irregular breathing and snoring can impact a child’s sleep cycle. Even if they “sleep” for an adequate duration, they may lack adequate restful sleep. This can cause them to be tired throughout the day.

Irritability

Sleep is important and a lack of adequate sleep can impact a person’s mood. If your child seems inexplicably irritable or displays other behavioral problems, sleep apnea may be the cause.

Bed Wetting

If your child’s brain is focused on breathing, it may ignore other signals, including those telling it to go to the bathroom. If your child is potty trained but begins wetting the bed, it may be a sign of another health issue like sleep apnea.

Complaints of Throat, Jaw, Head or Neck Pain

A child with sleep apnea may breathe through their mouth while they are sleeping instead of their nose. This can cause a number of issues when the child is awake. They may wake up with headaches or a sore, dry throat. They may also complain of pain in their jaw or neck.

Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation

Dr. Stein and Dr. Stein are respected professionals who specialize in the treatment of sleep apnea. If your children have symptoms of sleep apnea, please schedule a sleep apnea consultation by calling (855) 949-7667.