According to the
National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans—including
children—are thought to suffer from a form of sleep apnea.
Yet many cases of sleep
apnea in children go undiagnosed because its symptoms are often
attributed to behavior problems, learning disabilities, attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder and other conditions. Without treatment, sleep apnea in
children can lead to cognitive problems and an increased risk for severe health
complications.
During sleep, a child
who suffers from sleep apnea may:
- Snore loudly and regularly
- Experience regular pauses in breathing
- Wake up gasping, snorting and short of breath
- Be restless
During the day, a child
with sleep apnea may:
- Have difficulty staying awake
- Experience morning headaches
- Be irritable and aggressive
- Have behavior or social problems
- Have difficulty focusing on tasks such as schoolwork
Fortunately,
advancements in dental
sleep medicine have made it easier for qualified dentists and other medical
professionals to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Today, there are a number of
safe and effective sleep apnea treatments for children and adults alike.
In addition to
traditional treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices,
there are a number of oral
appliances that fit comfortably and allow you to maintain an open airflow.
If your child suffers
from chronic snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact IHateCPAP.com to
locate an experienced sleep dentist near you.