Ensuring Restful Nights and Healthy Sleep for Your Child's Well-being
Snoring, mouth breathing, and restless sleep can be more than “normal kid sleep.” At San Marcos Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Nikki Shafiei helps parents identify signs of airway-related sleep concerns, including pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), so children can breathe better, sleep deeper, and feel their best during the day.
What Is Pediatric Snoring And Sleep Apnea?
Pediatric snoring happens when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing vibration in the throat tissues. In some children, this can be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the airway becomes narrowed or blocked, and breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.
These issues often occur when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and the airway becomes smaller, making it harder for your child to breathe normally while sleeping.
Why Does Sleep Quality Matter For Children?
Healthy sleep supports your child’s growth, learning, behavior, and overall wellness. When breathing is disrupted at night, the body may not get enough oxygen or restful sleep cycles. Over time, this can impact daytime energy, focus, and mood.
Because children may not always “look tired,” sleep-related breathing problems can be easy to miss without knowing what signs to watch for.
How Does Your Child Sleep At Night?
Many parents assume their child sleeps well because they fall asleep quickly or stay in their room. However, sleep concerns can still be present even when a child appears to sleep through the night.
At San Marcos Pediatric Dentistry, we consider the full picture of your child’s sleep habits, including:
- Mouth breathing while sleeping
- Snoring or noisy breathing
- Restless sleep or frequent position changes
- Waking up tired or cranky
- Waking parents during the night
We also discuss lifestyle factors like bedtime routines, screen time, and sleep environment, since these can influence sleep quality too.
What Are The Signs Of Snoring Or Sleep-Disordered Breathing In Kids?
Insufficient oxygen during sleep can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to your child’s brain. Irregular breathing serves as an indicator of potential airway obstruction, which may manifest in the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Heavy breathing
- Gasping/waking with a startle
- Holding of breath
- Mouth breathing
Even if your child appears to sleep through the night, the quality of their sleep may be compromised. Indicators of poor quality sleep in your child may include:
- Tossing and turning
- Waking in a tangle of blankets
- Sleeping in odd positions (head extended back, on their tummy with bottom-up)
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Bedwetting
Symptoms often associated with ADHD might actually indicate an underlying sleep issue. When children fail to reach their REM cycle, it can lead to impaired executive functioning skills, encompassing areas such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. The following are some symptoms associated with this:
- Hyperactivity or fidgeting
- Emotional or irritable behavior
- Easy distractibility
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty focusing or hyper-focusing
- Challenges with learning
- Issues with organizational skills
How to diagnose it?
Pediatric sleep issues present a complex challenge that requires accurate diagnosis. Recognizing the signs is just one aspect of unraveling the puzzle. If Dr. Nikki Shafiei suspects abnormal breathing during sleep, she aims to identify the root cause and collaborates with your ENT specialist to delve into the underlying factors. This process entails a comprehensive understanding of your child’s sleep environment, craniofacial structure, and functionality. Dr. Nikki Shafiei may utilize the following diagnostic tools to gain a comprehensive understanding:
- Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire
- Imaging (cone beam computed tomography or CBCT)
- High-resolution pulse oximetry (HRPO)
- Orthodontic models
- Oral motor functional assessment
- Breathing assessment
If you notice one or more of these symptoms consistently, it may be worth scheduling an evaluation so we can help you understand what’s going on and what next steps may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep-related breathing concerns can be confusing for parents. Below are answers to common questions families ask about snoring and pediatric sleep apnea.
Is Snoring Normal in Children?
Occasional snoring during a cold or allergies can be normal. However, frequent or loud snoring may signal restricted airflow and should be evaluated, especially if it happens most nights.
Can a Child Have Sleep Apnea Without Snoring?
Yes. While snoring is common, some children with sleep-disordered breathing may experience pauses in breathing, gasping, or restless sleep without loud snoring.
How Can Poor Sleep Affect My Child During the Day?
Sleep disruptions may impact attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and energy levels. Some children appear hyperactive or unfocused rather than sleepy, which can mask an underlying sleep issue.
What Is the Difference Between Mouth Breathing and Sleep Apnea?
Mouth breathing can be a sign of airway restriction, while sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Mouth breathing may contribute to or worsen sleep apnea over time.
At What Age Can Sleep Apnea Be Identified?
Sleep-disordered breathing can occur at any age, including early childhood. Identifying concerns while a child is still growing may allow for more effective intervention options.
