It is undeniably true that sleep is crucial to everyone, especially children. As a parent, you should know that getting enough sleep helps recharge lost energy and promote growth and brain development. The problem, however, is that around 15% of the population suffers from sleep apnea in Singapore, and children are no exception.
While the percentage of children with sleep apnea is lower than adults, it is not something that parents should ignore. Snoring in children might be normal, but to some extent, it can be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment.
Remember that preventive measures are essential practices every parent should do to keep their children healthy and live a long life.
Part I: What Causes Snoring In Children?
Snoring in children is the same as what happens to adults when they snore. You should know that snoring occurs due to the airway at the back of the throat becoming blocked. The sounds that snoring produces comes from the vibration when someone inhales and exhales during sleep.
Here are the common risk factors for causing snoring in children:
● Enlarged Tonsils
Tonsils become enlarged due to infection, which can obstruct the air in the airway, causing children to snore.
● Obesity
While it is true that children eat healthy food, that does not mean they should exceed the regular body mass index (BMI). When children become obese, their necks will be thick, which narrows the airway. It will then trigger the development of obstructive sleep apnea in Singapore.
● Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are another reason why kids snore. Children have sensitive respiratory systems, as you are fully aware. They can sneeze at even the smallest quantity of dust, pollen, or other allergens, which gradually inflames their throat and nose.
● Upper Respiratory Infections
Whether it is flu or cold, when children have upper respiratory infections, their noses get stuffy, making them unable to breathe through their nose, which forces their body to inhale and exhale with their mouth.
Part II: Signs Of Snoring In Children
Besides the risk factors for causing snoring in children mentioned above, some signs can tell you whether or not your children are suffering from sleep apnea in Singapore.
Here are the things you should watch out for during nighttime and daytime.
Nighttime
● Snoring Loudly
If your children snore like adults, you should bring them to an ENT specialist clinic in Singapore. Remember that snoring in children is normal, but it should not sound like an adult snore.
● Become Restless
Children becoming restless often move their bodies left to right when they are all asleep. There will be no minute they last in a position for hours.
● Sleepwalking And Sleep Talking
Another sign of snoring in children is when they walk and talk while sleeping. Consider discussing this matter about your children or child with your chosen ENT specialist in Singapore when you bring your children to their clinic.
Daytime
● Trouble Waking Up
Are you having trouble waking up your children? Do they always say five minutes more every day? If that is the case, you should know that people suffering from sleep apnea often develop insomnia.
● Falls Asleep Quickly
Did your children wake up and fall asleep again? Being able to fall asleep quickly after hours of sleep can also be a sign of sleep apnea.
● Becomes Inattentive
Being inattentive is another symptom of sleep apnea or snoring in children. You should be aware that children may not pay attention in class if they lack focus.
Part III: How To Ease Snoring In Children?
If you can relate to the mentioned signs of snoring in children above and want to help ease their snoring problems yourself. In that case, consider doing these things before bringing your children or child to an ENT specialist in Singapore.
1. Elevate The Head Of Children When They Go To Bed
Instead of investing in a reclining bed, you can put a thickly folded blanket under the mattress. Doing so creates an illusion of a reclining bed and will elevate your children’s heads three to four inches.
2. Place An Air Humidifier
Placing an air humidifier beside the bed can also ease the snoring in children. Ensure to clean it before using it the next day. Otherwise, it will develop some moulds, which can cause allergies and asthma.
3. Keep The Bedsheet Clean And Fresh
Bed bugs, dust, dander, and other allergens can cause nasal congestion that triggers sleep apnea. Therefore, you should change the bedsheet every week, fluff the bedding daily and vacuum the mattress.
Part IV: How To Prepare Your Child For A Sleep Study Test?
If your children still snore after doing all the things mentioned above to help ease their snoring, they might need to undergo a sleep study test. It is a snoring treatment in Singapore that can help your children get a good night’s sleep again.
1. Pack Food From Home Or Order Some Takeout
Before the ENT specialist begins with the sleep study, they will give you enough time to let your children eat their dinner. You should guarantee that the food your children will eat is light and easy to digest.
2. Bring Comfortable Clothes
Every ENT specialist in Singapore also recommended parents bring comfortable and loose clothes for the sleep study test. This kind of clothing will help them place the sticky pads so that polysomnography will record brain waves.
3. Never Let Your Child Take A Nap
Otherwise, your children cannot sleep during the sleep study tests.
4. Bring Favourite Stuffed Animals
Being in a foreign place like an ENT specialist clinic can make your children unable to sleep. Bringing their favourite stuffed animals can reassure them that they will be safe.
Help Your Children Get A Good Night’s Sleep By Treating Their Sleep Apnea!
When the sleep apnea of your children gets treated in Singapore, they will have a good night’s sleep that helps their growth hormone. Therefore, help your children get a good night’s sleep by bringing them to a reliable ENT specialist clinic.
Let your child see an ENT specialist in Singapore to get their sleep apnea treated. Contact Dr Jenica Yong at +(65) 62353886 to book your appointment today.
