Snoring and Children - Why Children Snore

It is no secret that some children snore. Approximately some ten percent of children, particularly children over the age of three, snore during the deeper stages of sleep, such as REM (rapid eye movement). When a child is not suffering from an upper respiratory infection such as a cold, or other serious condition such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS),it is considered to be primary snoring.

Why do children snore?

In children who are healthy and have no other serious conditions, but experience repeated loud snoring at night on a regular basis can be indicative of infection. It can also be a sign of OSAS, a more serious issue that needs screening and medical attention.

Snoring: Marked by obstruction of the trachea, caused by structures of the mouth and throat, such as enlarged tonsils, the tongue, or excessive tissue in the throat area which narrow the airway. Additionally, the muscles in the throat area relax during sleep causing narrowed airway. Inhaled air vibrates against these structures causing the noise of snoring.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: Is characterized by the cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep, and is closely related to snoring. This is a more serious disorder that causes the child to wake several times during the night usually gasping for air, resulting in being tired and irritable during the day.

In both snoring and OSAS, the child is struggling to breathe while sleeping. This could be why some children exhibit behavioral problems at school.

Risk factors for sleep apnea include:

• Obesity


• Allergies


• Asthma


• GERD (gastroenterological reflux disorder)


• Abnormality in facial structure

In children, the most commonly found cause of snoring and OSAS is enlarged tonsils, due to repeated inflammation and infection, such as colds.

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:

• Loud snoring on a regular basis


• Have pauses, gasps, and snorts and actually stop breathing


• Abnormal body positions during sleep, accompanied by restlessness


• Excessive perspiration during sleep

Daytime behaviors:

• Social behavioral problems


• Difficulty waking


• Complaints of headaches particularly in the mornings


• Irritable, agitated, aggressive, and cranky


• Overly sleepy during the day


• Nasal sound when speaking and mouth breathing

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition and needs medical treatment. It is important that parents pay special attention while children are sleeping, as well as their behavior during waking hours. If you notice signs and symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea in your child, contact your health care provider for consultation and testing. Your pediatrician may suggest a sleep study with a professional who is trained in this area. After testing and a determination is made, the professional can suggest the proper treatment for your child's snoring or OSAS problem.

by Barb Hicks RN