Recognizing the Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea: A Parent’s Guide

As parents, we’re always on alert for anything that could disrupt our child’s health or happiness. 

But what if the trouble is happening when you’re all fast asleep?

If your child struggles with restless nights, snoring, or seems unusually tired during the day, it might be easy to brush it off as “just a phase.”

These could be signs of something more serious—like pediatric sleep apnea, which requires early treatment. Understanding these symptoms isn’t just about better sleep; it’s about giving your child the energy and focus they need to thrive daily.

5 Common Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea

1. Lack of Activity: Children with sleep apnea often struggle with daytime fatigue. This can lead to decreased activity levels, as they may lack the energy to participate in physical or social activities they usually enjoy.
2. Weight Concerns: Weight is just one factor, and focusing on healthy habits and overall well-being is crucial rather than numbers on a scale.
3. Genetics: Sleep apnea can run in families. Your child may be more susceptible if there’s a history of sleep-related issues.
4. Not Getting Enough Sleep: Poor sleep quality or quantity is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Children may seem restless during the night, wake up frequently, or have difficulty staying asleep.
5. Jaw Alignment Issues: A lower jaw that sits too far back can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, leading to pediatric sleep apnea.

6 Behaviors Parents Should Watch For

1. ADHD-Like Symptoms: Many children with sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), exhibit symptoms similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These include trouble concentrating, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
2. Snoring: Loud snoring occurs when the upper airway becomes partially blocked, causing the throat muscles to vibrate. While occasional snoring might not be concerning, persistent snoring could indicate OSA and warrants evaluation by a sleep specialist.
3. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can indicate sleep apnea in children. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the body may react by clenching the jaw to reopen the airway.
4. Lethargy and Daytime Drowsiness: Children may appear lethargic or unmotivated during the day, struggle to stay awake, or even fall asleep in inappropriate settings.
5. Bedwetting: Children with obstructive sleep apnea may experience disruptions in the body’s normal sleep cycle, affecting bladder control.
6. Declining Academic Performance: Poor sleep can lead to trouble focusing, memory problems, and behavioral issues, all of which can negatively impact school performance. Children with sleep apnea may struggle with bad grades due to frequent disruptions in their sleep.

Can Orthodontic Issues Be a Sign of Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Orthodontic issues in children may be more than just a cosmetic concern; they might be a sign of underlying sleep disorders. 

When OSA occurs, it’s often due to anatomical factors such as the alignment of the jaw, the position of the soft palate, or the size of the upper airway.

Children with a lower jaw set too far back or with crowded teeth may be at a higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea. This happens because these structural issues can cause the airway to narrow, leading to breathing problems during sleep.

What Are the Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea on Oral Development?

Children with untreated sleep apnea might develop a high-arched palate, misaligned teeth, or a small lower jaw, which can further exacerbate its symptoms. 

Chronic lack of oxygen and poor sleep quality can also lead to other health issues, such as high blood pressure, behavior problems, and even heart disease later in life.

Does Dr. Lee Diagnose Sleep Apnea in Children?

While Dr. Lee is an expert in orthodontic care, he does not diagnose pediatric sleep apnea. 

If this condition is suspected, Dr. Lee will refer the child to a pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They will conduct a thorough sleep study, the definitive test to determine if a child has sleep apnea. 

The sleep study will measure the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which indicates the severity of the condition. If the AHI is 25 or greater, the child is diagnosed with pediatric sleep apnea.

After diagnosis, Dr. Lee can work alongside the pediatrician or ENT to address any related orthodontic issues that may contribute to the sleep disorder.

How Does Dr. Lee Address Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Dr. Lee uses palatal expanders to treat children with OSA, especially since they may not tolerate CPAP machines well. Palatal expanders work by gradually widening the upper jaw to open the upper airway and reduce the severity of sleep apnea.

This treatment typically takes about 14 months. After the treatment, your child may be fitted with a retainer or a snore guard to maintain the results.

Early Orthodontic Intervention Can Make a Difference in Treating Pediatric Sleep Apnea!

Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if snore guards are the solution to your child’s sleep apnea woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of snore guards or have questions about the process, use our live chat, call (240) 802-7217, or message us through our Contact Us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary consultation!

Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area.

So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office!

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