Is a Sleep Disorder Harming Your Child's Brain? | NowPublic News Coverage

Is a Sleep Disorder Harming Your Child's Brain?

by alaaron | September 19, 2006 at 12:34 pm

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A sleep disorder that often goes undiagnosed may be causing brain damage in children, say researchers.

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is more commonly known as an adult disorder, occurs when the soft part of the throat collapses and blocks the airway during sleep. This causes you to stop breathing and triggers the body to wake up slightly so you can start breathing again. This can occur hundreds of times a night, with the sleeper never realizing.

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Knoxly

at 10:41 on November 3rd, 2006

Yes sleep apnea is torture. I've battled it all my life tossing and turning through the night. It wasn't until I read an amazing book by Dr. Michael Breus called "Good Night - A Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Guide to Better Sleep and Better Health" that I decided to seek professional help. According to the case study one of Dr. Breus' patients with sleep apnea tried a CPAP machine - a device that keeps a small stream of air blowing into the airways to prevent the throat from collapsing all night long and blocking the breath's passageway - and swore it changed his life. So I went ahead and tried it myself and I cannot tell you how much better I feel. My quality of life has simply skyrocketed and I am happier and healthier today than I ever have been before.

However I worry that my daughter may suffer from sleep apnea as well...but I can't tell...are there any tell-tale symptoms? What are the signs to look for?