Blog

Sleep is a crucial component of a child’s overall well-being and development. When it comes to children, quality sleep is essential for growth, cognitive function, and emotional stability. However, sleep-disordered breathing can disrupt a child’s rest and potentially lead to various health issues. As a parent, being aware of the signs of sleep-disordered breathing is vital to ensure your child receives the proper care and attention they need. In this article, we will explore seven signs of sleep-disordered breathing that every parent should be mindful of.

1. Snoring:

While occasional snoring is common in children, persistent loud snoring can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep. If your child is snoring or breathing heavily during sleep and occurs regularly, it may indicate an issue with their airway.

2. Breathing Pauses:

Observing breathing pauses during your child’s sleep is a significant red flag. If your child seems to stop breathing for a few seconds or takes shallow breaths during the night, it may suggest a form of sleep apnea. These pauses can disrupt your child’s sleep cycle and affect their overall sleep quality.

3. Restless Sleep:

Children with sleep-disordered breathing often experience restless sleep. If you notice your child tossing and turning, frequently changing positions, or experiencing night sweats, it might indicate their body is struggling to maintain an open airway during sleep.

4. Mouth Breathing:

Pay attention to your child’s breathing pattern during sleep. If your child predominantly breathes through their mouth instead of their nose during sleep, it could indicate an airway obstruction or nasal congestion, potentially related to sleep-disordered breathing.

5. Frequent Daytime Fatigue:

Children with sleep-disordered breathing may experience daytime fatigue and sleepiness. If your child appears excessively tired during the day, has difficulty concentrating, or seems irritable, it could be due to disrupted sleep at night caused by breathing issues.

6. Behavioural Problems:

Sleep-disordered breathing can manifest in behavioural changes. Children may experience mood swings, attention deficits, and even hyperactivity. If you notice a sudden change in your child’s behaviour or academic performance, consider evaluating their sleep patterns.

7. Enuresis (Bedwetting):

Bedwetting, especially in older children who have already been toilet trained, can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. The interrupted sleep cycles can affect the brain’s ability to control the bladder during the night.

Frequently asked questions

What is sleep-disordered breathing in children?

Sleep-disordered breathing is a term for a range of breathing difficulties during sleep, from habitual snoring through to more significant pauses in breathing. Because good sleep is so important for a child’s growth, learning and mood, it is worth having ongoing concerns checked.

What are the signs my child might have a sleep or breathing problem?

Common signs parents notice include regular loud snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep or night sweats, breathing through the mouth, daytime tiredness or difficulty concentrating, changes in behaviour, and bedwetting in an older child. One sign alone does not confirm a problem, but a pattern is worth discussing with a professional.

Is snoring in children something to worry about?

Occasional snoring is common, but frequent, loud snoring can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing and is worth mentioning to your GP or dentist, who can help decide whether further assessment is needed.

Who should I see if I am worried about my child’s sleep?

A good starting point is your GP or paediatrician, who can guide any further investigation. Sleep-disordered breathing is best looked at by the right team, which may include a sleep specialist and, where relevant, an ENT specialist.

Can a dentist help with sleep-disordered breathing?

Paediatric dentists can be one part of a wider team. As part of an airway-aware approach, we can look at things such as jaw growth, the airway and oral habits, and work alongside your GP and other specialists. We will always be honest about what dental care can and cannot do, and any assessment is tailored to your individual child.

Conclusion

Recognising the signs of sleep-disordered breathing in children is crucial for their overall well-being. If you observe any of these signs in your child, consider consulting your GP, paediatrician or a sleep specialist. Early detection and appropriate management of sleep-disordered breathing can significantly improve your child’s quality of sleep and long-term health. Prioritise your child’s sleep and ensure they receive the necessary care and attention for a healthy and restful night’s sleep.

If you have concerns about your child’s quality of sleep, complete a Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire here, to see if further investigation can help your child.

Here are some published journal articles on the top may help answer some questions for you in the meantime. 

Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: New evidence on its development

Determinants of probable sleep bruxism in a pediatric mixed dentition population: a multivariate analysis of mouth vs. nasal breathing, tongue mobility, and tonsil size

Relationships among nasal resistance, adenoids, tonsils, and tongue posture and maxillofacial form in Class II and Class III children

A roadmap of craniofacial growth modification for children with sleep-disordered breathing: a multidisciplinary proposal

Related service at Tooth Town: General Dentistry