What is the big deal with sleep apnea in small children? It has been linked to lower IQs and learning disorders.
Brain Damage
Researchers at Brown University Medical School recommend that one- to five-year olds get 12 to 15 hours of sleep per day. Children with sleep apnea tend to get under 11 hours of sleep. Not only do they not regenerate as recommended, but research is now finding possible brain damage from sleep apnea.
When Dr. Ann Halbower of Johns Hopkins University Children's Center in Baltimore evaluated 31 children with sleep apnea, she found altered brain chemicals that could possibly reflect brain damage. [Kathleen Dohany, Health Day, health.msn.com, October 12, 2007] It is unknown if the damage can be undone.
What Are The Symptoms In Young Children?
- snoring
- gasping
- severe sweating
- labored breathing, trouble sleeping at night
- needing to "sleep in" after going to bed at the regular time
[Kathleen Dohany, Health Day, health.msn.com, October 12, 2007]
Teachers at school can be the ones to discover a problem by observing a student straining to stay awake or strained breathing at nap time.
Is There A Cure?
Doctors state that in 75% of the cases, removing tonsils and adenoids solves the problem. In the other 25%, a breathing device may need to be worn during sleep. Research shows that American children are not receiving the proper amount of sleep for various other reasons. Sleep is not something that can be short changed.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
