Kids Need More Sleep
HEALTH NEWS — It's a problem we tend to associate with adults, but sleep apnea and insomnia can affect children, as well. And just as it is for adults, the side effects can be harmful and dangerous in children.
About one to three percent of children not only snore, but also suffer from breathing problems during their sleep. When snoring is accompanied by gasps or pauses in breathing, the child may have oobstructive sleep apnea (OSAS), according to a report by the National Sleep Foundation.
The National Sleep Foundation says, in children, the most common physical problem associated with sleep apnea is large tonsils. Young children's tonsils are quite large in comparison to the throat, peaking at five to seven years of age. Swollen tonsils can block the airway, making it difficult to breathe and could signify apnea.
Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may contribute to daytime sleepiness and behavioral problems including difficulties at school.
If untreated obstructed sleep apnea can cause a whole host of problems such as heart disease, irregular blood pressure and reduced levels of oxygen in the blood.
A recently published study found that taking the tonsils and adenoids out significantly improved the breathing and oxygen levels in the majority in children.
The only other treatment for kids with sleep apnea is to wear a C-Pap mask, which can be uncomfortable. Children who had surgery had less soar throats and difficult swallowing.
About one to three percent of children not only snore, but also suffer from breathing problems during their sleep. When snoring is accompanied by gasps or pauses in breathing, the child may have oobstructive sleep apnea (OSAS), according to a report by the National Sleep Foundation.
The National Sleep Foundation says, in children, the most common physical problem associated with sleep apnea is large tonsils. Young children's tonsils are quite large in comparison to the throat, peaking at five to seven years of age. Swollen tonsils can block the airway, making it difficult to breathe and could signify apnea.
Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may contribute to daytime sleepiness and behavioral problems including difficulties at school.
If untreated obstructed sleep apnea can cause a whole host of problems such as heart disease, irregular blood pressure and reduced levels of oxygen in the blood.
A recently published study found that taking the tonsils and adenoids out significantly improved the breathing and oxygen levels in the majority in children.
The only other treatment for kids with sleep apnea is to wear a C-Pap mask, which can be uncomfortable. Children who had surgery had less soar throats and difficult swallowing.
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6:37 PM
