Sleep apnoea isn’t a medical condition that’s restricted to adults. It’s also something that many children suffer from as well. Unfortunately, most families aren’t aware that a sleeping disorder could be affecting their child. In most cases, the condition becomes quite severe before they get the care they need.
An Impact on Growth
You’ve heard medical and educational experts say for years how important it is that your child get a good night’s rest. But what if you’ve set their bedtime early enough and they still wake up tired or irritable?
All of that sleep deprivation can, in turn, affect their physical growth. You may find that your child isn’t quite as hungry and just having a harder time staying on the growth curve.
Don’t forget behavioural health. Children with ADHD or who seem to have a hard time focusing in class may just be too tired to handle what’s presented in front of them.
Oral Anatomy to Consider
Does your child have enlarged tonsils? While there isn’t one single risk factor for a sleeping disorder in children, large tonsils are a big one. Even in children as young as 2 years old, you may notice signs that their airway is partially blocked because of their tonsil size.
Look for symptoms like
- Mouth breathing
- Toddlers rubbing their head or complaining about headaches
- Constant stuffy noses and problems breathing through their nose
- Routinely moving around in their sleep (if you have a baby monitor with a camera in the room, this can help you spot restlessness)
- Audible snoring or choking noises
- Small jaw anatomy
Where to Go for Help
If your child has a sleeping disorder, talk with your paediatrician or a holistic dentist who is trained in managing obstructive sleep apnoea. Depending on your child’s anatomy, they may need to have their tonsils removed before considering other types of therapy.
Help your child grow and develop the way nature intended. If you suspect that your child has a sleeping disorder or they’ve already been diagnosed with one, we encourage you to meet with our holistic dental team to find out what options are available.