Everything AboutSnoringChildren: From Causes and Types to Treatment
The child’s sleep cycle must be maintained under any circumstances, but it is important to remember that this depends on the child’s age. For example: a newborn should sleep 12-16 hours, while an adolescent only needs about 7 hours of sleep. Factors like increased screen time before bed can also affect sleep quality.StressOr certain medical factors such asInsomniacan influence sleep duration and quality.
Keep in mind that not only the amount of sleep matters, but also its quality. If your child sleeps enough but still feels restless, it may be a sign of sleep disorders. Sleep quality depends on how well and how deeply your child sleeps. On average, adults go into deep sleep at least 6 times per night, but children should reach peak sleep stages at least 8 times.
One of the most common sleep disorders that is often overlooked is snoring. Although a child’s snoring might seem cute, it definitely indicates a deeper problem. As mentioned repeatedly inSelMagzarticles, sleep is the most important factor for a child’s growth and greatly affects their development and health.
Problems Caused by Lack of Sleep in Children
According to doctors, sleep deprivation can lead to issues such as:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Reduced Learning Ability
- Immune System Issues
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Anger and Mood Problems
- Lack of Impulse Control
- Frequent Irritability
- DisordersHyperactivityAnd Attention Deficit
- Information Processing Disorders
- Mood Swings
- Low Metabolism Rate
What Is Snoring?
Snoring is a condition where the airways in the throat become blocked or constricted, causing vibrations in the throat tissue. These vibrations produce audible sounds. These sounds can be quiet but are usually loud enough to be heard easily by someone nearby. Snoring is one of the main causes of sleep deprivation and is a symptom of another condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which we will explain further.
Types of Children’s Snoring
There are two types of snoring in children: normal and symptomatic. Normal snoring develops gradually and is not caused by external effects, but factors like weather changes can cause variations in these sounds. Symptomatic and occasional snoring is harmless, but habitual snoring can be harmful. Persistent snoring should not be ignored in adults or children, and its treatment should not be delayed.
How Common Is Snoring in Children?
Symptomatic snoring is very common in children because their immune systems and body parts are still developing, making them more susceptible to triggers like weather changes orcolds.Research shows that habitual snoring affects about 12% of people and can be an early sign of asthma or sleep apnea.
Causes and FactorsWhat Is Children’s Snoring?What Causes Snoring in Children?
Several factors can cause snoring in children, including:
Asthma
Asthma may be a main cause of snoring because it disrupts breathing. If your child snores or coughs withCoughingand wheezing, it could be a sign of asthma. Consult a doctor promptly because untreated asthma can be serious or even life-threatening.
Influenza
Some types ofinfluenzacause airway blockages and lead to snoring. As the body recovers, this condition usually resolves on its own.
Deviated Nasal Septum
A crooked or damaged nasal septum obstructs airflow through the child’s nose, leading to breathing difficulty and snoring.
Weight
If your child’s weight isn’t appropriate for their age, it can cause sleep disorders such as snoring because excess fat blocks the airways.
Tonsil Inflammation
Enlarged tonsils can swell and block the respiratory passages, which is probably the most common cause of snoring in children.
Allergies
Most allergies block the nasal passages and can cause nasal inflammation. Severe allergies may also cause throat swelling. As a result,allergiesare one of the main causes of snoring in children.
Neurological-Muscular Disorders
Due to inactivity of muscles during sleep, nerves controlling respiratory muscles may be damaged, causing snoring. Most neuromuscular diseases are not life-threatening, but some can be serious or fatal.
Genetic Disorders
Some genetic disorders can cause snoring and may be inherited across generations. Certain disorders are known even without family history. Keeping track of family health history can help reduce snoring caused by genetic factors.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Smoking around the child can pose many risks. Secondhand smoke is very dangerous for children and is a known side effect of snoring and respiratory problems.
Sleep Apnea in Children
Sleep apnea occurs when the child’s respiratory airways are blocked, which may wake them up and cause them to breathe irregularly during the night.
As previously discussed in SelMagz, mild and partial apnea may cause the child to unconsciously force themselves to breathe, leading to increased energy expenditure. This can result in snoring, waking tired, and other health issues such asdepressionandanxiety.If severe, it can also cause disorders like hyperactivity.
Signs and Effects of Snoring in Children
Children’s snoring symptoms can vary widely depending on their age and development. If you notice your child waking up tired or lethargic, you should see a doctor, as this is one of the most common signs of sleep apnea in children. Below are some symptoms or signs of issues caused by snoring that parents should watch for in different age groups:
Most Common Complications and Problems in Young Children
Some of the most common problems caused by snoring in young children include:
Feeding Issues
Snoring or sleep apnea can result in insufficient feeding in children who are breastfed or bottle-fed. It is advisable to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis because feeding problems can also indicate other health issues.
Delayed or No Growth
One of the main signs of snoring is delayed or absent developmental milestones because sleep quantity and quality significantly impact a child’s physical and mental growth. Delays in reaching these milestones may indicate a deeper issue like sleep apnea.
Unusual Weight Gain
Unhealthy or abnormal weight gain can be a sign of snoring and is one of the most harmful symptoms. If your child gains weight rapidly and excessively, it could be due to unhealthy snoring or sleep apnea caused by obstructed breathing.
Note that symptoms and effects of snoring and sleep apnea may vary in young children.
To better understand what symptoms your child is experiencing, consult a healthcare professional and follow their advice.
Most CommonSymptoms and Effects of Snoring in Slightly Older Children
Some common signs and effects of snoring in older children include:
Focus and Attention Problems
Due to insufficient or poor-quality sleep, children may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention. This is a common symptom of sleep apnea and snoring.
Hyperactivity
Children with poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation may try to stay active or awake by forcing themselves to be hyperactive. Sleep deprivation affects the balance of hormones like adrenaline, making children overly active, which can be a sign of snoring.
Aggression
Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue and irritability, often resulting in aggressive behavior. If your child is aggressive or easily annoyed, it may be a sign of sleep disturbance linked to snoring.
Personality Changes
Sleep deprivation can alter personality. If your child’s personality changes suddenly, it could be due to overlooked sleep issues like snoring and sleep apnea.
Diagnosing Snoring in Children
Doctors can identify sleep-related disorders through sleep tests. These tests include attaching electrodes to the child’s body during sleep to record patterns, sleep cycles, wakefulness, and how sleep impacts overall health.
Another assessment involves pulmonary function tests, where a tube is placed in the child’s mouth, and they breathe through their nose and exhale through their mouth. This measures overall lung capacity and checks for airway obstructions.
Risks and Complications of Children’s Snoring
Various issues and risks can be caused by snoring, some of which may require long-term medical care. These include:
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common cause of snoring. It can severely obstruct breathing at night, causing the child to wake multiple times. Heavy snoring may indicate sleep apnea.
Nightmares
Snoring reduces oxygen saturation and can cause chemical imbalances in parts of the brain, leading to nightmares. Long-lasting nightmares may have psychological effects on your child’s future.
Fatigue
Snoring indicates that your child needs to use extra energy to breathe. This energy drain can cause long-term daytime tiredness.
Growth Disorders
Oxygen deficiency during sleep is dangerous because sleep is a critical phase in a child’s growth cycle. Lack of oxygen can harm short-term and long-term development, preventing normal growth.
Organ Health Disruption
Similar to other body parts, the heart improves and repairs itself during sleep. Snoring causes extra energy expenditure during breathing, hindering recovery. Lower oxygen levels during snoring also contribute to deterioration of organ health.
Other dangers may also threaten your child’s health. For more information on how sleep deprivation caused by snoring can lead to specific conditions and illnesses, consult a pediatric specialist.
Is Your Child’s Snoring Normal or a Sleep Disorder?
Determining whether a child’s snoring is harmless or indicates a sleep disorder is important. Systematic snoring due to immune weakness and growth factors is generally considered normal. This type of snoring occurs only with temporary changes like weather shifts and resolves quickly. Quiet snoring is usually not dangerous, but visiting a doctor is still recommended.
For a proper diagnosis of sleep disorder-related snoring, the snoring should be loud, gradually increasing in volume, or persist over time. It should not be caused by external sources or known conditions that block the airways.
The best way to diagnose a child’s snoring as a disorder is to consult a specialist and perform physical examinations. It is recommended that children undergo a sleep study before age 10.
Signs Indicating Your Child’s Snoring Has an Underlying Problem
If your child experiences any of the risks or symptoms listed above or below, their snoring may be a sign of a health problem:
- Waking up fatigued
- Difficulty waking and disinterest in waking up
- Low energy levels during the day
- Fear of sleeping
- Bed-wetting
- Inability to perform usual daily activities
- Difficulty paying attention to surrounding events
- Puffiness under the eyes despite enough sleep
- Frequent mood swings
For more details about whether your child’s snoring is caused by an illness, consult a pediatrician.
Treatments for Children’s Snoring
Snoring is not always a treatable disease, but there are measures you can take in controlled conditions to reduce or manage it:
Medical treatments for children’s snoring
Sleep masks
This mask is commonly used for sleep apnea and helps children breathe more easily by regulating oxygen levels and easing ventilation issues.
Ointments
Using humidifiers and ointments during colds and fevers can reduce nasal congestion and ease snoring.Nasal Septum SurgeryThis involves correcting the nasal septum to clear nasal passages. During the procedure, the doctor cleans the sinuses. If an anatomical issue is the cause of snoring, symptoms typically improve after surgery.
Inhaler Medications
If the child has respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, or other breathing disorders, doctors may prescribe inhalers containing a combination of salbutamol and corticosteroids to ease lung obstruction. These are the most common treatments for bronchial and respiratory conditions.
Note that most treatments for children’s snoring are personalized and may vary from one individual to another; therefore, consulting a doctor is essential.
Communicating with a doctor, accurate diagnosis, and following their treatment plan can greatly help your child.Home remedies for treating children’s snoringSome conditions that cause snoring can be managed at home. Here are a few methods:
Steam inhalation
Using hot water steam or a humidifier can help clear the child’s nasal passages. Adding herbal oils like eucalyptus oil to the water can also have a soothing effect.
Drinking warm water
Throat congestion may cause snoring. Regular consumption of warm water helps dissolve mucus and reduces snoring.
Warm compresses
Ensure your child is dressed warmly during winter. Applying warm compresses to the chest and back can help loosen congested mucus and soothe the body. It is also believed to relax the chest muscles and may help reduce snoring.While many home remedies exist, it is advised to consult a doctor before trying any, as they can examine the child and recommend effective home treatment options.Tips to Prevent Snoring
Below are some tips from SelMagz that may help prevent your child’s snoring:
Put your child to sleep on their side, as sleeping on the back tends to worsen snoring. Side sleeping helps them breathe more easily.
Ensure the child maintains a healthy weight.
Adjust their diet.
Make sure they stay well-hydrated.
Follow prescribed medications strictly.
Keep airways open.
- Encourage sports or playtime activities.
- Encourage swimming, as it can improve lung function and respiratory health.
- Dress the child appropriately for the season.
- Maintain good hygiene habits.
- Consult a doctor for more guidance on preventing snoring.
- Other Considerations
- Sleep plays an important role in metabolic regulation and immune system health. Ensuring your child gets enough sleep is essential. For precise diagnosis and effective treatment plans, consult a pediatric specialist.
- If your child has sleep apnea, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using any devices that may aid recovery, such as sleep masks or humidifiers. Never use these without medical advice.
- Avoid self-medicating or sharing medications with others.
- Early treatment of sleep disorders is crucial for a healthy, quality life. Poor sleep quality can lead to many problems, including anxiety, depression, organ failure, or even heart attacks in adulthood.
Although these issues seem common, untreated long-term sleep deprivation can become dangerous. That’s why consulting a professional is important.
If you have any doubts or questions, ask your doctor and understand the causes and methods before making changes to your child’s lifestyle.
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can occur in both children and adults. If you suspect your child has it, consult a doctor.
Child snoring
Causes of Child Snoring
Understanding child’s snoring
What Is Snoring
Asthma
Factors Causing Child Snoring
