Does My Child Have a Sleeping Disorder?

by Tiffany Nelson, RDH | 17 February, 2020

Close up Picture of Baby Sleeping

Signs Of a Sleeping Disorder in Children

As a hygienist, I focus on mouths and teeth and now throats and airways. With children, I notice crowded or crooked teeth, high vaulted palates, strong tongue thrusting, chapped lips, mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils, speech issues, and some behavioral challenges. I will point out visual signs of concern and ask some routine questions about behavior and habits, etc. Then I ask if they notice if their child snores, sleeps with mouth open, or is restless at night. Most parents can’t answer those questions. I ask if they have watched their child sleep and the most common answer includes, “I really have never watched my child sleep, should I?”

The answer is YES! Observe your child for at least 15-20 minutes on at least 3 different nights. Observe if they snore and how often, do they sleep with their mouth open, do they have labored breathing or even stop breathing, are they restless, are their beds messed up, do they wet the bed, do they sweat excessively while sleeping, grind their teeth, wake up a lot or have headaches when they wake? Anyone observing these symptoms can see it is not a restful peaceful sleep that our kids deserve. (Sleep Disorder Questionnaires are available, Contact Us today)

Other signs and symptoms of a possible sleep disorder can include hard time focusing, fidgety, attention deficit, skin irritations, and allergies, dark circles under their eyes, speech issues, or frequent infections. If the body doesn’t get the

proper oxygen required while sleeping it will not transition into a deep sleep which is a rest, digest, and repair state. It remains in the fight and flight mode at night while struggling to get enough oxygen. Commonly this mode is then carried into the day, therefore their little bodies remain in an agitated state, and can display themselves in many of the above signs and symptoms.

The moral of the story…YES, please watch your kids sleep. Watch for signs of Sleep Disorder Breathing. These signs and symptoms can be treated early as age 2 and the root of the cause can be addressed and help prevent further issues. Call our office for a consult in which we can help not only screen your child but treat your child as early as we can.