Sleep Disordered Breathing

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a broad term used to describe abnormal or disrupted breathing during sleep, such as snoring or sleep apnoea. SDB can lead to poor quality or disrupted sleep and, in the short term, SBD is exhausting and frustrating for the sufferers and their families. In the long term, more severe health issues like chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, stroke, and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. 

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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) including snoring is when the airway collapses repetitively during sleep. This blocks air flow into the lungs and brain and threatens inadequate oxygenation of the body’s organs and tissues.

 

In children, sleep disordered breathing is associated with:

• developmental delays

• failure to thrive

• behavioural problems

• learning problems

• social-emotional problems

Research now demonstrates the interruptions in oxygen are linked to structural changes in the developing brain.

  

In children, the signs and symptoms to be aware of:

• open mouth breathing or lips slightly ajar

• audible breathing, snoring or gasping for oxygen

• unusual sleep positions - neck hyperextension, stomach sleeping, bum in the air

• sweating

• teeth grinding

• bedwetting

• chronic ear infections

• allergies

• frequent or unexplained awakenings

• night terrors

• unrefreshed on waking

• tired or wired through the day 

• poor concentration and attention

• concerns with behaviour, emotional regulation, anxiety

• concerns with learning, school performance

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All children who snore or have audible breathing most nights of the week, should be screened for sleep disordered breathing.

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Children don't grow out of these issues - they grow into bigger problems throughout life. 

 

Orofacial Myologists play a crucial role in addressing SDB by strengthening orofacial muscles. This approach keeps the airways open during sleep.

We may require collaboration with other healthcare professionals for a collaborative treatment approach.