Should I Be Worried If My Child Snores?

Snoring is most common in adults but can also occur in children. While some light childhood snoring is within the norm, excessive, severe, or frequent snoring episodes in children can indicate a problem. Snoring in children can be caused by sleep-disordered breathing, swollen tonsils or adenoids, congestion, anatomy, or various other reasons.

If your child only snores once in a while, such as when they are sick or lying in an awkward position, their snoring is not likely a cause for concern. Occasional snoring occurs in about 27% of kids. However, if you notice loud snores, gasps, or thrashing in the bed frequently, it’s recommended to have your child evaluated by a sleep specialist. While only about 1 to 5% of children are affected by obstructive sleep apnea, seeing a medical professional is the only way to be sure why your child is snoring.

If you notice that your child is loudly and persistently snoring, you should bring them in for an evaluation. In addition, if symptoms such as mouth breathing, gasping for air, restlessness, and daytime fatigue are present alongside loud snoring, it’s strongly recommended to book an appointment with a sleep doctor. As snoring contributes to poor sleep quality, you may notice your child is more impulsive, irritable, or inattentive.

Addressing your child’s symptoms at an early stage prevents the consequences of unmanaged sleep disorders, which include poor academic performance, irritability, and attention and memory difficulties. If your child experiences issues surrounding sleep, such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, or frequent awakenings during the night in addition to loud snoring, seeing a healthcare professional is advised.

Various things can cause children to snore, including:

– Enlarged or swollen tonsils or adenoids – Tonsils and adenoids are located near the back of the throat and are part of the body’s immune system. These glands can become swollen due to infection and are naturally larger in some people, leading to airway obstructions and snoring.

– Congestion – If your child is congested due to allergies, asthma, or a cold, they may snore due to difficulty breathing.

– Obesity – Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to snore, as they are at a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

– Low-quality air – If your child is exposed to low-quality air or excess contaminants, such as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), they are more likely to snore.

– Obstructive sleep apnea – While this condition is not very common among children, it does still occur and is characterized by loud and frequent snoring.

Overall, if your child snores, it can be due to several different reasons. To determine why your child is snoring or experiencing difficulties falling or staying asleep, you will need to bring them in for an assessment with a healthcare professional specializing in sleep disorders.

While snoring does not always indicate a problem, in some cases, it does. For this reason, it’s recommended to see a sleep specialist if you notice that you or a family member is snoring frequently and loudly. By seeing a doctor, you can receive an evaluation along with a diagnosis of the problem or peace of mind that there is no cause for concern.

Keep in mind that while occasional, light snoring is often nothing to worry about, symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are a cause for concern. This condition can significantly affect your child’s sleep quality and general quality of life. For this reason, you should take your child to the doctor if you notice persistent snoring, daytime fatigue, or other symptoms.

The dedicated professionals at the Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders are here to help your family get high-quality sleep to stay well. If you have questions or suspect your child has a sleep-related condition, schedule an appointment at our clinic. Our team provides comprehensive services to address sleep-related problems in children, adolescents, and adults.