Childhood development is riddled with change, mood swings, and shifts in behavior. Change is often the only constant in many kids’ lives, so when children regularly have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it may be a sign that something isn’t right. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a general term for breathing difficulties during sleep, can often translate into attention and behavioral problems down the road. Sleep-disordered breathing and ADHD can go hand-in-hand for many young children making it imperative for parents to be ultra-aware of their child’s sleep schedule.
What Is Sleep Disordered Breathing?
Sleep-disordered breathing is a general term for breathing difficulties during sleep. SDB can range from frequent loud snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where part, or all, of the airway, is blocked repeatedly during sleep.
SDB is often the result of underlying problems with:
- Mouth
- Jaw
- Throat
- Narrow airway
How Do Sleep Disordered Breathing and ADHD Connect?
Sleep is critical for healthy development. While we sleep, our brains and bodies continue to work, refreshing and repairing themselves in preparation for the next day. Interruptions in this regularly scheduled maintenance can lead to countless complications, including but not limited to problems with attention.
Researchers have found that sleep-disordered breathing has a consistent effect on school performance and may exacerbate behavioral characteristics in children like impulsivity, hyperactivity, attentional difficulties, anxiety, depression, and aggression.
Signs of Sleep Disordered Breathing
Many people fall victim to the notion that snoring is harmless; some may even see snoring as a sign that their children are sleeping soundly. Instead, snoring is often a sign of a partial blockage in the airway.
Many doctors make a note of a few “red flags” in regards to snoring habits to detect the potential severity:
- Loudness – usually the louder the snoring, the greater the cause for concern
- Frequency – if your child snores more than three times a week, even without other symptoms, it’s recommended that they receive an evaluation
- Abnormal noises – sounds like gasping, snorting, and choking may demonstrate that your child has to work extra hard to breathe
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Pamela Marzban
Children are constantly in the process of developing and growing. One of the most important times for growth and development is sleep. Children who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing are at a greater risk of developing problems such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, attentional difficulties, anxiety, depression, and aggression. Sleep-disordered breathing and ADHD are linked for many children, so parents who notice signs such as consistent and loud snoring should schedule a consultation with Dr. Marzban for further investigation. For more information, please call Dr. Marzban’s office at 703-323-8200.
