Australian children today are affected by sleep apnoea more than ever before, bringing the percentage of children in the country with sleeping problems up to the 25% mark. This is a huge concern for health professionals and parents across the country.
What’s even more alarming, is that it’s estimated that 50% of children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also suffer from sleep disorders. This occurs because poor sleep quality can result in the exacerbation of their ADHD symptoms.
Why is it so important to attend to your child’s sleep problem as soon as possible? Because having sleep apnoea also leads to a lower IQ, which is irreversible from 12-years-of-age.
There is hope for children suffering from sleep apnoea, and there are symptoms to look out for so that you can ensure your child receives the best treatment to manage any sleep problems.
Let’s have a look at the signs and also what you as a parent can do to help your child with his or her sleep apnoea.
Signs of Sleep Apnoea in Children
There are certain give-away signs that suggest your child is suffering from sleep apnoea. The simplest way to tell is to monitor their sleep to check if they are snoring. Even the quietest of snoring is an issue.
Other things to look out for include:
– Messy sheets caused by restlessness
– Irritability
– Bed wedding
– Lack of hydration
– Obesity
– Large tonsils or adenoids
– Your child’s grades are slipping
· What parents should know about sleep apnoea
As mentioned above, any sign of snoring is a concern. It occurs commonly if your child is overweight, or has enlarged tonsils or adenoids. It can also occur to thin children when your child’s jaw is too narrow, which results in a narrow airway and incorrect breathing. A TMJ expert in Melbourne will be able to help your child not only stop snoring, but also get a better night’s sleep by correcting the jaw position, expanding the narrow jaw and opening up the airways.
What parents can do to help their children
An early diagnosis is the best thing for your child who suffers from sleep apnoea. The earlier you diagnose your child, the better off he or she will be later on in life. Since sleep apnoea, obesity, emotional problems and a drop in academic grades are all connected, most likely due to a lack of quality sleep; it’s best to have your child screened before it’s too late. Get the help you need to ensure your child is treated properly.
For more information, simply get in touch with the TMJ Centre Melbourne today.