Snoring results from partial obstruction of the breathing passage. For some children snoring may just be the result of a cold or allergies, but for others it could signal a larger respiratory problem. The failure of airflow can result in a reduced capacity for oxygen exchange in the lungs. Therefore, children will wake up throughout the night because they are not breathing adequately.
Lack of sleep can result in symptoms other than snoring.
For children who have sleep-disordered breathing, usually the first step to evaluation is talking to your pediatrician, according to Dr. Hudson. The pediatrician may recommend your child see an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in airways, or participate in sleep study to evaluate the problem.