Sleep disorders can take a long time to diagnose properly, and sometimes it never happens at all. By understanding sleep apnea and its symptoms, you can get ahead of the problem for your child. Keep reading for some questions and answers about sleep apnea in kids. 

How do I know if my child has sleep apnea?

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. Children aren’t quite known for it, so if you hear your kids snoring, it could be a result of sleep apnea. Kids with sleep apnea may also toss and turn throughout the night as well as stop breathing for long periods of time. Not all children end up suffering from sleep apnea throughout their whole lives, but the immediate impacts can be significant, so address the problem as soon as possible.

What can I do about it? 

The first step in treating sleep apnea is diagnosing the problem. The bad news is that the condition is commonly misdiagnosed as a mood disorder like depression or anxiety. In many cases it can take up to 10 years for sleep apnea to be diagnosed properly, and every night without treatment can take a toll on your son or daughter’s health. If you suspect your child suffers from sleep apnea or a similar disorder, sleep testing can help you find out. The specialist might suggest an oral appliance or a CPAP machine to treat the symptoms.

Is it common for children to have sleep apnea?

Older people are at a higher risk for sleep apnea, but nobody is immune. A small percentage of children suffer from sleep apnea. Some children grow out of it, but some end up with sleep apnea for life until they eventually seek treatment. 

Don’t let your kids suffer from sleep apnea near Central New Jersey. Instead, call Sleep Dynamics at (848) 217-0240. Sleep apnea isn’t the only condition we treat, and our multiple sleep latency test may be the first step towards a better quality of life