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Sleep Apnea Affects Children, Too

When a child is hyperactive and has trouble concentrating, people usually suspect attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. But if these symptoms are combined with snoring or restless sleep, the problem may be sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea manifests as temporary pauses in breathing that may awaken a child from sleep. These constant interruptions prevent the brain from entering deep sleep, which it needs to function properly. Adults with sleep apnea often feel tired and have difficulty thinking. In children, however, sleep apnea often causes behavioral problems such as hyperactivity.

The first step in treating sleep apnea is to properly diagnose it. To do that, children spend the night in a sleep lab, where sleep specialists closely monitor them.

If a child has sleep apnea, doctors can recommend treatments. In most cases, removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids may improve symptoms. Occasionally, some children require continuous positive airway pressure therapy to breathe normally.

“We perform one of the most complete sleep monitoring studies available,” says Cindy Jon, M.D., pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. “If your child has abnormal sleep patterns, especially combined with behavioral problems during the day, you may want to discuss having a thorough sleep evaluation.”

To schedule a sleep evaluation, call 713.704.2337.

For more information about Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, or for a physician referral, call 713.222.CARE.