Experts say as many as one in four children suffers from sleep problems or sleep disturbances, which range from recurring nightmares to teeth grinding. About 4 percent suffer from more serious conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, a temporary block in the flow of air into the airway that results in oxygen deprivation. A recent study shows sleep is essential for brain development in early life and lack of it can have severe consequences. Carbone says the condition is under-diagnosed because the warning signs in children are often different from those in adults and parents often don't recognize them. Instead of tiredness, children with sleep disorders often become irritable, have problems concentrating, act defiant and exhibit behavioral or learning problems at school.
Sleep disorders can also affect growth and they can affect older children, as well.
Michael Manning and his sister, Katie, both had obstructive sleep apnea for several years before getting treatment. Their mother, a pediatric registered nurse, did not recognize the symptoms until Michael began having problems in the first grade. His teacher brought that to my attention. Two months ago, both children had their enlarged tonsils and adenoids removed. Katie has stopped choking on food and Michael 's schoolwork has improved considerably.