Sleep apnea is a condition that is attributed to adults, but did you know that up to 4% of children in the United States suffer from sleep apnea as well? Signs of the disorder in children are similar to adults; snoring, tossing and turning, long pauses in breathing, and chronic mouth breathing are just a few. This obstructive sleep disorder can wreak havoc on a child’s well-being if left untreated. The American Sleep Apnea Association states that studies suggest “as many as 25 percent of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea” and that the insufficient sleep may be the cause of their difficulty to learn. Not only can disruptive sleep lead to learning disorders, but it can also lead to overeating and child obesity. Although there is a possibility of children “growing out of it,” it’s still important that if your child suffers from any of these symptoms they see a healthcare professional to rule out the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea. By knowing what is causing the symptoms, you can treat the issue properly. For more information of sleep apnea in children, visit www.sleepapnea.org today.