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Sleep Apnea (also called Sleep Apnoea) is a common sleep disorder that is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep, which force the sufferer to wake up to resume normal breathing, and disrupt and disturb their normal sleep cycle. These episodes, called apneas, usually last from a few seconds up to as long as sixty seconds in severe cases, and may occur repeatedly throughout the night. Sleep apnea, and in particular obstructive sleep apnea, is often thought to effect only overweight men from the age of about fifty onwards. In fact, while sleep apnea is perhaps most often seen in this group, it also affects a large number of women and is increasingly being recognized as a very common disorder in children.
Perhaps the first reference to sleep apnea in children was made by Charles Dickens in The Pickwick Papers, published in 1837, in which Dickens wrote about a fat boy with a short thick neck called Joe who was always falling asleep.
The first medical reference to sleep apnea in children then appeared a few years later in an 1889 edition of the British Medical Journal. However, it was not until 1976 that it began to receive serious consideration, following the publication of a report by the Stanford University Sleep Disorders Clinic.
Today, sleep apnea is being widely recognized as a common disorder amongst children of all ages, and particularly amongst children between the ages of about three and six. Estimates vary, but in the United States alone, the number of children suffering from sleep apnea is put at between one and a half and two million.
So what are the signs and symptoms that might suggest your child is suffering from sleep apnea. Well, these will of course vary widely, as is the case with many conditions, but some of the tell tale signs include:
Loud snoring or noisy breathing during sleep. Snoring is far less common in children than it is in adults, but a significant number of children do snore and this, on its own, does not necessarily indicate the presence of sleep apnea.
Periods of not breathing during sleep. This is not always easy to spot as the chest often continues to move up and down as if the child is breathing, although no air is being taken in through the nose or mouth.
Breathing through the mouth, rather than through the nose.
General problems in sleeping or restless sleep.
Unusual or excessive tiredness during the day.
Behavioral problems and an apparent difficulty in understanding. This may include difficulties in paying attention, aggressive behavior and perhaps hyperactivity.
A general failure to develop at a satisfactory pace. For example, poor weight gain.
Finally, a very common symptom in children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Now the presence of some, or indeed many, of these signs does not necessarily mean that your child is suffering from sleep apnea, but it would be reasonable to assume that this might be the case, and you should certainly consider consulting your family doctor.
Copyright 2005 Donald Saunders – http://help-me-to-sleep.com
About the Author
Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including "How To Get A Good Night’s Rest". Pick up your free copy today and discover the secret to curing your insomnia or visit help-me-to-sleep.com and Learn more about sleep apnea
Written by: Donald Saunders
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If left untreated, Sleep Apnea can be life threatening. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving, endangering their lives and the lives of their passengers and those around them.
Sleep apnea also appears to put individuals at risk for stroke and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), also known as "mini-strokes", and is associated with coronary heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, gout and high blood pressure.
So, if you or a loved one are suffering from sleep apnea, be sure to see your doctor so that the sleep apnea symptoms can be treated, removed, or reduced before they become life threatening.
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