What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea in children is characterized by complete or partial pauses in breathing during sleep. This condition can result from airway obstruction due to enlarged tonsils, a large tongue, collapsing soft tissue at the back of the throat, or the brain's failure to regulate breathing during sleep. Poor sleep quality can lead to stress, developmental delays, excessive daytime fatigue, and decreased attention span in children. While sleep apnea is more common in adults, it can still occur in children between the ages of two and eight.

How Can Airway Dentistry Help Your Child with Sleep Apnea?

Proper rest is essential for your child’s overall health and well-being. Quality sleep enhances physical development, cognitive abilities, and emotional balance. In contrast, sleep apnea can disrupt your child's normal sleep cycles.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

The most common and significant causes are:

Obstructive tissues such as enlarged tonsils, adenoids, nasal turbinates, or a deviated septum.

Insufficient space for the tongue due to a narrow jaw, underdeveloped upper and lower jaws, or a restrictive tongue tie that limits tongue mobility.

Do I Have Signs of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders or Sleep Apnea?

The signs and symptoms of these conditions may become obvious once they are pointed out. They include:

Feeling tired even after eight hours of sleep

Daytime drowsiness

Morning headaches

Inability to concentrate

Snoring

Waking up at night gasping for air

If you notice these symptoms in your daily life, it's time to discuss airway dentistry. If your partner mentions that you've been snoring loudly and waking them during the night, this is also a red flag.