Sleep apnea is all over the commercials now. Try this product and all your sleep issues will magically disappear! Most are bunk! If you think your child has a sleep apnea problem get a sleep study!!!
One of my girls had significate obstructive sleep apnea. She was sleeping through the night but she snored horribly. Her quality of sleep was low and it showed in her inability to maintain focus, stay awake when snuggled to be read to, or any trip in the van. She needed her tonsils and adenoids taken out. When they did she got tremendously better. Problem solved!
There is another type of apnea though much rarer called Central Sleep Apnea. This more common in preemies and children with a brain abnormality like a Chiari Malformation. This is were the brain forgets to ask for another breath. It is very important this is followed closely!
Other physical issues that can affect the quality of our children’s sleep. Are muscle problems, such as cerebral palsy. Tight muscles causing uncomfortable positions or cramping at night. Low muscle tone where the child can not turn and change to a better position. With low tone your child may not even recognize the problem of position because they don’t fully wake up.
If muscle issues are causing problems ask your peds for positioning pillows. Rub out muscles before bed. Bathing in warm water before bed can also relax muscles.
One more thought before we leave the sleep topic. There is a large difference between a sleep study for an adult and a sleep study for a child. Things like how the lab techs are trained to treat children. The size of equipment used. Finally reading the study is best done by a dr that is experienced in reading a child’s study. It is in your best interest to get a study done at a Children’s Hospital or a Pediatric sleep lab.
Sleeping in the Jumper
Sleep is vital! If you cannot sleep or cannot sleep well your learning, healing, and energy will be lacking. Getting a good night’s sleep is worth the investment of time and money to attempt to improve it!
Good article. Thanks for publishing it. In adults, it is thought that 90% of those with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. This may also be the case with children.
Good point about all the cheap and easy “remedies” being promoted. Sleep apnea is a deadly condition. Don’t mess with junk treatments. Get yourself or your child to a doctor who is educated on sleep-disordered breathing.