Although it has been known for a long time now that children who have sleep apnea frequently display poor scores on IQ tests (typically scoring an average of 85 against a score of 101 for children who are not suffering from sleep apnea) one thing which has not been known until very recently is that this is produced by chemical changes within the brain. This means that an otherwise clever kid could well produce a mediocre performance as a result of nothing more than a sleeping problem which, in almost all cases, can be treated quite easily.
In a recent study carried out at the Hopkin’s Children’s Centre in Baltimore, 31 children between the ages of 6 and 16 (19 of whom had been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea) were examined with a special type or magnetic resonance imager (MRI) and it was discovered that those children with sleep apnea showed significant changes in the hippocampus and right frontal cortex which are parts of the brain which are associated with learning and higher mental function.
This same study also discovered that these kids were suffering from altered levels of three brain chemicals which indicated brain damage. This change to the chemistry of the brain resulting from the presence of sleep apnea may or may not be lasting and, at this point, further studies are required to see whether or not this effect can be reversed.
Even if reversal is possible however and the brain chemistry and cognitive function can be normalized, kids who have sleep apnea are going to suffer learning problems as long as they have untreated sleep apnea and certainly cannot rewind time and recapture this period of learning.
Of course, parents should already be looking out for signs of sleep apnea in their children but this study clearly indicates that an early diagnosis and treatment of this sleep problem might have a considerable affect on your child’s success in later life.
The signs of sleep apnea include numerous pauses in breathing during sleep that often result in an arousal from sleep and tossing and turning in bed. Children might also display loud or labored breathing, snoring, gasping, coughing and, sometimes, bed wetting at an age when should generally have passed.
Parents can also see that a child is sleeping in an unusual position, perhaps with their bottom sticking up in the air and with their head tilted back in an effort to keep their airway clear.
In the majority of cases child sleep apnea can be effectively treated by removing the tonsils and adenoids, or excess tissue from the nose or the back of the throat. Additionally, a CPAP machine (or pediatric CPAP) may also be used to give the child an airflow delivered using a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open.
In itself child sleep apnea is incapacitating for any child and the effect of night after night of poor quality sleep will take their toll on your child. However, when this is combined with an impairment of your child’s IQ, it is imperative that you act as soon as you can to get this condition diagnosed and treated.
Bed Wetting and Sleep Apnea
Recent research has shown that bed wetting and sleep apnea can be an associated problem. This condition causes the throat muscles to relax and obstructs adequate airflow. Children who snore and wet the bed may be suffering from a form of sleep apnea and you may be pleasantly surprised knowing this condition can be successfully cured.
The Relationship Involving Bed Wetting and Sleep Apnea
Understanding the relationship between these two conditions, on bed wetting and sleep apnea may help clarify issues. Bed wetting, medically known as enuresis, is a common problem that usually goes away as the child ages. Around sixteen percent of five-year-old children wet the bed, but that number goes down to five percent for ten-year-olds. This condition is seen more in boys than in girls and may run in families.
Some of the major causes of bed wetting are people having a very small bladder or the growth of the nerves that control the bladder function are slower in developing. Effective treatments have included an alarm system with wires that attach to the pajamas or underwear. A noise is made when moisture is detected. The sleeping child develops an awareness of bladder control. If the child both wets the bed and snores, sleep apnea should be considered a causative factor.
Obstructive sleep apnea can cause a child to snore, as the airflow is restricted in the throat. The child will therefore have a restless night and be excessively tired during the day. Morning headaches and trouble concentrating in school may also be seen. Researchers feel that the connection between bed wetting and sleep apnea is based on the chemical imbalance that happens in the brain. When the brain isn’t able to receive a steady input of oxygen, this creates a situation where the signals from the bladder are not properly received.
These conditions result is bed wetting. The primary cause of this type of sleep apnea is large adenoids. When the adenoids are removed, the snoring stops, the breathing improves and the bed wetting situation is resolved. It should be noted that generally only a small percentage of children both snore and wet their beds.
In conclusion if there is a connection between the two situations, parents should not immediately consider surgery as the only option until a definite cause and effect relationship has been established. Bed wetting often stops when a child is older, but if there are any symptoms of sleep apnea it is recommended that you discuss them with your doctor.
There is usually an answer to bed wetting and sleep apnea associated problems and your doctor is the specialist who can help you make treatment decisions.
