Many kids snore. Like a small rumbling tornado, snoring can prevent everyone in the house from getting a good night's sleep. There's no cure for snoring, but there are some things you can do to keep your child from disrupting her sleep, and yours too.

What causes snoring?

Sometimes snoring is the result of a cold or nasal congestion. Other times, it may be caused by a condition called sleep apnea, when the walls of the throat actually close and the child stops breathing altogether for up to a minute at a time. Usually, snoring is simply the result of relaxed muscles in the throat.

Is snoring serious?

Not for the person doing the snoring! Most snoring keeps everyone else awake, but the snorer is usually none the wiser. Sometimes snoring can wake up the child. Kids with sleep apnea may wake frequently and be tired during the day as a result. Severe snoring can cause sleep deprivation and fatigue for both parents and child. In some, infrequent cases, snoring in children can result in an increased risk of ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Can I prevent snoring?

Most snoring goes away on its on, especially if it is caused by congestion. Some snoring can be stopped by changing your child's sleeping position. Don't bother with drops, chin straps, and anti-snoring pillows, as these do nothing to prevent snoring.

How do I know if my child snores?

Snoring is a very distinct noise - there is no chance that you won't know if your child is snoring!

How do I treat snoring?

There are a few tricks you can use to prevent your child's snoring. Snoring that is due to congestion will go away as soon as your child's cold is gone, so just be patient. Over-the-counter decongestants may help relieve congestion so you can all get a good night's sleep. Kids that snore for no apparent reason might benefit from a different sleep position. Kids snore more when they sleep on their backs. Try propping her on her side by placing pillows behind her back (Do not do this with a baby under 12 months old, as all infants should be placed to sleep on their backs). Snoring can also be the result of very dry air, so try a humidifier to keep your child's nasal passages moist at night.

Should I call the doctor?

If your child is excessively fatigued as a result of snoring or appears to have sleep apnea, call your doctor for advice. In some cases, a mouth guard may help lessen snoring.

What you need to know about snoring

  • Snoring is common in children, but most common in adults.
  • Children may snore as the result of nasal congestion.
  • Encourage a child who snores to sleep on her side.
  • Call your doctor if your child has signs of sleep apnea.

Find information on other breathing conditions:

  • Read more about croup
  • Learn about colds
  • More on asthma


    Last revised: Wednesday, 20 January 2010


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