Poor learning and concentration in kids who snore

A study has found that children with snoring and breathing problems during sleep have an increased risk of poor learning and concentration abilities.

While periodic snoring is usual in children, the study showed that persistent snoring can lead to sleep apnea where the quality of sleep is affected, which in turn, is associated with daytime tiredness, bedwetting, concentration and learning difficulties and delayed growth.

‘Children with persistent snoring often have a reduced quality of life. In particular, this applies to children who have sleep apnea,’ said researcher Gunnhildur Gudnadottir.

Common reasons for snoring are enlarged tonsils, that can be cured or reduced with surgery.

1,300 children in the age range of 0 to 11 years were examined for snoring and sleep apnea and it was found that 5 % of the examined children snored several times a week.

Only one third of the snoring children had sought medical advice, thereby demonstrating the low awareness amongst parents regarding the negative effects of breathing disturbances on a child’s health during sleep.

Parents, if your child is snoring, take a medical opinion.