Sleep Apnea’s Effect on Children (Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Encino, Tarzana, Chatsworth, Calabasas, Studio City)

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder. Children affected by it are at risk for serious health issues that affect the heart, the circulatory system and their overall development. This disorder is most often caused by the collapse of the soft tissue at the back of the throat—the uvula, soft palate and tongue—into the airway, resulting in an interruption in breathing. This happens over and over again during the night; interrupting sleep to the point that little rest is obtained. Some of the effects of this disorder are readily apparent, if the parents keep an eye out for them.

Those who suffer from sleep apnea are usually snorers. Usually, this snoring will be quite loud for a while and will suddenly cease. The sleeper will then make a gasp for air, or may start choking, which will oftentimes wake them up. Their breathing may be very irregular, as well, and they will sometimes sleep in strange positions. The end result is that the child is usually poorly-rested, may wake up very disoriented and may exhibit many of the same symptoms one would observe in an individual who is simply sleep deprived. The symptoms, however, can become much more severe.

Some of the signs of sleep apnea to watch for include an excessively dry mouth in the morning—caused by mouth-breathing—and headaches in the morning. The child may also exhibit depressive personality traits or even exhibit some changes in their personality. In school, expect to see some trouble concentrating and paying attention. This is easy to understand as, no matter when they go to bed, the child is not getting a full night’s rest. These learning problems may become worse with time, even though the child may be quite intelligent and capable in every regard.

The dangers of this condition can soon manifest as illnesses of various types. Children who suffer from sleep apnea tend to suffer more upper-respiratory infections than others. They may also wet the bed quite frequently and wake up with sweat-soaked sheets. Some children may start to exhibit hyperactivity as one of their symptoms. This disorder is serious and can be life-threatening, even for children. It is, however, very much a treatable disorder that doesn’t have to have as devastating an impact on the lives of children as it oftentimes does. The first place to visit is the office of a sleep physician.

These physicians will conduct what’s called a polysomnograph. This is a detailed study of your child while they sleep, which allows the doctor to zero in on the problem. Your child may be prescribed a C-PAP machine, which helps to keep the airway open during the night. They may also be recommended for surgery, particularly if there are structural problems with the back of their throat that can be corrected thusly. In some cases, you may be recommended to a dentist, who can construct appliances that maintain the correct position of the soft tissue and tongue during sleep.

To learn more about Sleep Apnea treatments and to find out if they are right for you, contact Smile Studio LA at 818-788-1352 today for a free consultation!