Child Sleep Apnea

The most well-known Sleep Apnea is referred to as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The sleep disorder is characterized by: Continual occurrences of obstruction to the upper air passages which occur during sleep. The obstruction is generally associated with a decrease in in the saturation of oxygen within the blood.

 The symptoms of Sleep Apnea include: a) Excessive drowsiness during daytime hours; and b) Episodes of obstructed breathing that occur frequently during sleep. (The sufferer may not even be aware he or she ceases breathing during sleep.) Sleep Apnea can occur in children and adults. This particular article places emphasis on Child Sleep Apnea.

Symptoms most relative to Child Sleep Apnea are listed below:

• Sleep that is restless;
• Breathing that is unnaturally heavy
• Excessive perspiration during sleep;
• Bed-wetting that is severe;
• Nightmares; and, Night Terrors;
• Sleeping with the mouth gaped opened causing dry mouth.
• Chest retraction in young children (meaning the chest area is concave);
• Odd sleeping positions.
• Disorientation upon awakening;
• Headache in the morning;
• Not refreshed from a night's sleep;
• Snoring that is loud;
• Gasping that causes the sufferer to awaken;
• Child is either overweight; or underweight;
• Problems with learning and comprehension;
• Child is unreasonably cranky or irritable;
• Changes in personality;
• Suffers from Depression;
• Child cannot properly concentrate;
• Issues with proper development and growth;
• Upper-respiratory infections occur on a frequent basis;
• Child's behavior is hyperactive;
• Development of high blood pressure.

Sleep Apnea is a life-threatening disorder and accordingly requires immediate medical attention. Child Sleep Apnea that goes undiagnosed may cause: a) Problems in learning; b) (Again) problems connected with proper development; c) Child behavioral issues; d) Problems associated with the heart and cardiovascular system; e) Continual daytime sleepiness which leads to changes in the child's personality; and f) Problems with respect to interpersonal relationships. With regard to all of the preceding problems, the child is apt to become frustrated and in turn develop depression.

The following odd sleep positions signal Sleep Apnea in Children:

• Child places his or her head and arms against the headboard.
• Head is to one side, child is on his or her stomach; on his or her knees with rear end up;
• Upper body is extended over the side of the bed. Child appears he or she is ready to fall on the floor. When forced back onto the bed, the child generally resumes this same position.
• Body is arched as if the child is standing on his or her head and feet.
• Muscles are totally relaxed. The child lays on his or her back and is extremely quiet. (This sleep position is typical when a child wets the bed; or prior to Sleep Apnea developing.)

If any of the symptoms or odd behaviors are prevalent in your child, it is advisable you seek consultation with your medical practitioner immediately. Your doctor will advise what tests are necessary in order to attain a proper diagnosis.