As awareness of the dangers of sleep apnea
grows, an increasing number of parents have become concerned about whether
their children may suffer from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder.
Obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA), the most common and dangerous type of sleep apnea, has long
been linked to severe health problems such as an increased risk for heart
disease, hypertension and stroke. OSA can also cause daytime drowsiness, difficulty
focusing and mood changes. Mounting evidence suggests a link between sleep
apnea and attention-deficit disorder in children.
As with adults, one of the
most common symptoms
of sleep apnea in children is regular snoring. While many children snore at
least occasionally, loud, chronic snoring is often an indicator of sleep apnea;
disruptive snoring may also be the result of other conditions such as obesity,
allergies, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
If not treated, sleep
apnea can lead to behavioral problems, impaired learning and anxiety, among
other issues. The good news is that there are a number of sleep apnea treatment
options available.
A dentist with
experience in the field of dental sleep
medicine can help determine the source of you or your child’s sleep apnea
and recommend a custom treatment for your unique needs. In many cases, the use
of an oral appliance similar to a sports mouthguard can effectively and
comfortably treat the cause of sleep apnea and help restore restful sleep.