Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children is more common than many parents realize and can be easy to overlook. SDB describes a spectrum that includes snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Without timely care, these conditions may influence a child’s growth, behavior, and day-to-day well-being.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
The clues are often subtle and may resemble other pediatric concerns. If your child shows any of the following, a closer look could be helpful:
- Habitual snoring or noisy breathing at night
- Persistent mouth breathing (day or night)
- Restless, tossing-and-turning sleep
- Frequent awakenings or bedwetting beyond the expected age
- Night sweats or teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Dark or puffy under-eye circles
- Difficulty waking and morning grogginess
- Daytime hyperactivity, impulsivity, or reduced focus
- Behavior concerns sometimes labeled as ADHD
Many families don’t link these issues to nighttime breathing—but the connection is important.
What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?
When the airway is restricted during sleep, oxygen levels can dip and deep, restorative sleep is disrupted. Potential consequences include:
- Challenges with memory, attention, and executive function
- School difficulties and lower academic performance
- Altered growth from interrupted growth-hormone release
- Mood swings, irritability, and emotional dysregulation
- Elevated long-term cardiovascular risk
- Changes in facial and jaw development from chronic mouth breathing
Early, cause-focused intervention can change a child’s trajectory and prevent long-term complications.
Our Approach: Functional Orthodontics for Airway Development
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis, we address pediatric SDB by guiding growth and supporting nasal breathing using functional orthodontics and airway-focused protocols. Rather than relying on CPAP or short-term symptom relief, we emphasize:
- Orthopedic expansion and guidance of jaw and midface growth
- Training for proper tongue posture and promotion of nasal breathing
- Creating adequate oral volume to house the tongue and maintain an open airway
- Correcting craniofacial underdevelopment associated with SDB
This conservative, growth-guided care helps children breathe and sleep more efficiently while promoting balanced facial development and lasting health.
