Sleep Apnea: All you need to know about sleeplessness in children

New Delhi : It is common to hear that adults suffer from sleeplessness, but do you know kids also suffer from sleeplessness. In General, children are more active than adults due to which they are likely to get better sleep. But, it has been seen that many kids suffer from sleeplessness.

Sleeplessness among kids is known as sleep apnea. Such children are likely to suffer restless sleep, night terrors and snoring. The learning and development process also gets affected due to disrupted sleep. Some of the other factors that may lead to sleeplessness are - sedentary lifestyles, obesity prevalence and improper dietary habits.

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep apnea is a disorder caused due to the repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep which leads to complete or partial blockage of the upper respiratory tract. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea which is caused when muscles in the back of the throat block the airway.

SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

• Excessive sleepiness during the day, leading to a lack of focus and concentration

• Short of breath and waking up in the middle of the night

• Breathing cessation throughout the night

• Dry mouth and sore throat

• Chest pain

• Morning headaches

• Mood swings include frequent bouts of depression, anxiety, or excessive irritability

• Restless sleep or insomnia

According to sleepassociation.org, the symptoms of sleep apnea are not similar in children and adults. “Children with OSA may suffer from significantly lower growth rates, inattention, hyperactivity, and malnutrition," it added.

TREATMENT

Sleep apnea can be treated through lifestyle changes, drugs and medication depending upon the root cause of the disease.