New Study Reveals Frequent Snoring in Children Can Effect Problem Behaviors.
When our little ones snore it is just plain cute. But a new study is revealing that frequent snoring in children can effect problem behaviors. Inattention, hyperactivity and depression have been reported in children who snore regularly and loudly, according to a neuropsychology study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Dean Beebe, the study's director states that children who snore regularly were breastfed less and came from lower-income homes.
However, I think we know that some kids just plain snore. But the study is helpful in perhaps knowing why our children, whether breastfed or not, whether middle, upper class or not, may be acting out in school.
New Study on Children Who Snore
The study involved 249 children and involved interviews with the little tikes' mothers concerning their sleeping behaviors. Children that loudly snored several days per week as two and three-year-olds had significantly more behavior problems than children that slept quietly or soundly.
Loud snoring in a child that lasts for months is not the norm and if quality of sleep is the reason, then research and help is needed to fix any breathing problem that child has, which is highly treatable, according to Dr. Beebe. Parents are encouraged to let their pediatrician know about persistent snoring in children.
Though a mystery, infants who breastfeed for a longer duration are protected from and seem to snore less, even though the family's income may be less.
Children Snoring Behavioral Problems?
Loud, persistent snoring seems to affect one of every 10 children. And it stands to reason that if a child is snoring and gasping for breath in the night, (which parallels sleep apnea,) that child will not be able to be at optimum behavioral and performance level. Think about it: when we do not sleep well, how do we behave and act? The good news is that problem snoring in children and even adults can be treatable.
Doctors are encouraged in the future to additionally screen for sleep problems in children that snore. Perhaps the problems of depression and inattention can be solved in helping our children sleep better; reducing their stimuli before bed and ensuring they are sleeping the way our bodies are designed to.
If you are concerned about how your child is sleeping, don't be afraid to visit your pediatrician. Tell them about your child's sleep patterns and their behavior during the day. Tell the doctor about teacher observations and work together for ways to help your child sleep better. Sometimes correcting ill behavior is as simple as helping your child sleep well.
