Sleep Apnea in Children Linked to Lower I. Q. and Learning Impairments Essay Example

and behavioral issues. The research compared brain scans of children with and without sleep apnea, revealing abnormalities in areas related to memory and learning such as the cerebellum, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. Intelligence tests showed that children with sleep apnea scored 16 points lower than those without breathing disorders. Results also indicated imbalanced levels of N-aceytl aspartate, creatine, and choline in the brains of tested children - potentially indicating brain damage. However, further studies are necessary to determine whether this harm is permanent or not (Boyles, 2006; Ansorge, 2006).It is important for parents to pay attention to their child's sleeping habits and watch out for signs of sleep deprivation, such as snoring, unusual sleeping positions, irritability, behavioral issues, daytime fatigue, and hyperactivity. These symptoms may be attributed to sleep apnea which affects approximately 2% of American children. Ignoring these warning signs can have long-term consequences. Surgery may be required if enlarged adenoids or tonsils exacerbate the issue. Sleep apnea is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD with obesity potentially contributing to this confusion. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to consult with their pediatrician if they notice any of these symptoms (Boyles, 2006).According to a report in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care, researchers from the University of California have identified a connection between brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation in the brain and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Contrary to previous beliefs, it has been discovered that the reduction in gray matter typically seen due to oxygen deprivation actually occurs more prominently in one hemisphere controlling upper respiratory airway control and speech. Brain scans on 21 healthy participants and 21 Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients revealed less

gray matter present in memory, motor control, respiration, and attention regions of the patient's brains. Furthermore, up to 38% of sleep apnea patients had previously experienced stuttering during childhood indicating a possible correlation between stuttering and sleep apnea.

David Gozal, an M.D. from the University of Louisville, suggests that more investigation is needed to determine the sequence in which a certain condition may have developed. According to a Pediatrics study, children who snore are twice as likely to exhibit attention and hyperactivity behaviors. Chervin believes that if there is a cause-and-effect relationship, sleep problems could pose significant public health issues for children. The identification and treatment of snoring and other nighttime breathing problems may potentially alleviate some of the most challenging behavioral issues in childhood. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to validate this hypothesis.

The study conducted in a pediatric clinic waiting room interviewed parents of 866 children. The results showed that boys under eight years old were three times more likely to experience sleep issues, which may also be linked to behavioral difficulties. Ronald Chervin, an associate professor at Aldrich Sleep Disorders Laboratory and primary author of the study, highlights the importance of addressing symptoms such as snoring, apnea, and daytime sleepiness for both adults and children suffering from sleep problems. He advocates for further research into this connection and emphasizes its significance despite being frequently overlooked. Chervin aims to conduct a larger investigation than previous studies.

The study involved two surveys, one focused on behavior patterns and the other on symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing like snoring and sleepiness. Children aged two to fourteen took part, with 54% being boys. Researchers encouraged parents to involve their children

in the assessment. The sleep habits section of the survey included questions about the severity of snoring and apnea, difficulty waking up, and open-mouthed breathing during daytime as these can impact sleep quality and may indicate sleep-disordered breathing in children. In the behavior portion, parents rated attributes based on frequency and were asked about their children's memory, academic performance, restlessness, inappropriate actions, and extreme talking patterns. Results showed that 22% of children with high hyperactivity scores also snored frequently compared to only 12% of non-snoring children with elevated hyperactivity. Similar results were observed for hyperactivity in children who were frequently sleepy or experienced some form of apnea.

According to a study, when categorizing subjects by age and sex, it was found that 30% of boys under 8 years old who snored regularly displayed higher hyperactivity scores in comparison to the non-snorers, which accounted for 9%. These specific findings indicated that the risk of disruptive behavior could be attributed to either sleep-disordered breathing or sleepiness caused by other factors. Chervin suggested that parents should ensure their children maintain a consistent schedule, obtain sufficient sleep, and practice other effective sleep hygiene habits (Science Daily, 2002).