Key Pointers:
- Paediatric sleep apnoea is more than snoring; it disrupts oxygen and restorative sleep.
- Causes include enlarged tonsils/adenoids, allergies, obesity, and airway structure.
- Signs: loud snoring, breathing pauses, restless nights, daytime hyperactivity, or poor focus.
- Untreated, it affects growth, learning, behaviour, and cardiovascular health.
- Early ENT assessment enables tailored treatment, including tonsil/adenoid surgery, allergy care, or CPAP.
Many parents consider snoring in children as just a cute little habit or a sign of deep sleep. However, persistent, loud snoring could be a red flag for a more serious condition, sleep apnoea. While often associated with adults, sleep apnoea in children is a real and under-recognised condition that can significantly affect a child’s growth, behaviour, and quality of life.
If your child snores regularly or appears tired even after a full night’s sleep, it might be time to look beyond the snoring and consider a closer evaluation.
What Is Paediatric Sleep Apnoea?
Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when a child’s airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep. This disrupts normal breathing and can lead to repeated awakenings, even if the child doesn’t fully wake up.
Unlike adults, who often show daytime sleepiness, children with sleep apnoea may exhibit:
- Hyperactivity or difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings or irritability
- Bedwetting
- Learning difficulties
- Slow growth or weight gain
In many cases, the symptoms are misinterpreted as behavioural issues, such as ADHD, making early diagnosis and treatment even more important.
What Causes Sleep Apnoea In Children?
The most common cause of sleep apnoea in children is the enlargement of the tonsils or adenoids, which can obstruct airflow during sleep. Other contributing factors include:
- Obesity
- Structural issues in the jaw or airway
- Allergies or chronic nasal congestion
- Family history of sleep disorders
Singapore’s humid climate can sometimes aggravate nasal blockages, especially in children with allergic rhinitis, making airway obstruction more likely.
Signs to Look Out For
If your child exhibits any of the following, it may be time to consider an evaluation:
- Loud, regular snoring
- Pauses in breathing or gasping for air during sleep
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Daytime fatigue despite a full night’s sleep
Early recognition is key. Left untreated, sleep apnoea can impact a child’s cognitive development, school performance, and even cardiovascular health.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed history and sleep assessment. In some cases, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be recommended to measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep quality, helping to restore healthy sleep and improve your child’s quality of life.
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition. For many children, removal of the tonsils and adenoids offers significant improvement. Others may benefit from allergy management, weight control, or the use of a CPAP machine in more complex cases.
Dr Lynne Lim offers comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatment options designed to address the unique needs of each child.
Don’t Let Snoring Go Unchecked
Sleep is essential for every aspect of your child’s development, from brain function to emotional well-being. If your child’s snoring is persistent or accompanied by behavioural changes, don’t wait it out.
Book a consultation with Dr Lynne Lim, Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery Centre, Dr Lynne Lim, a Senior Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat – Head & Neck Surgeon, to explore whether sleep apnoea may be affecting your child, and learn how early treatment can help restore healthy sleep and improve your child’s quality of life.
