Obstructive sleep apnea is common in kids and may impact blood pressure, heart health

Medical XPress / American Heart Association / Journal of the American Heart Association ^ | Carissa M. Baker‐Smith et al

[ConservativeMind]

Obstructive sleep apnea, a form of sleep-disordered breathing, is common in children and adolescents and may be associated with elevated blood pressure and changes in heart structure.

"The likelihood of children having disordered breathing during sleep and, in particular, obstructive sleep apnea, may be due to enlargement of the tonsils, adenoids or a child's facial structure, however, it is important for parents to recognize that obesity also puts kids at risk for obstructive sleep apnea," said Carissa M. Baker-Smith, M.D. "Sleep disruptions due to sleep apnea have the potential to raise blood pressure and are linked with insulin resistance and abnormal lipids, all of which may adversely impact overall cardiovascular health later in life."

Sleep-disordered breathing is when someone experiences abnormal episodes of labored breathing, snoring and snoring sounds.

Obstructive sleep apnea disrupts normal, restorative sleep, which can impact emotional health, as well as the immune, metabolic and cardiovascular systems in children and adolescents.

OSA may be present in children with the following symptoms:

- habitual snoring, more than 3 nights per week; - gasps or snorting noises while sleeping; - labored breathing during sleep; - sleeping in a seated position or with neck hyperextended; - daytime sleepiness; - headache upon waking up; - signs of upper airway obstruction.

The statement reiterates the recommendation of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery that a sleep study, called polysomnography, is the best test for diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing.

Metabolic syndrome is another concern for children with even mild OSA (as few as 2 episodes of pauses in breathing per hour).

"Obesity is a significant risk factor for sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea, and the severity of sleep apnea may be improved by weight loss interventions, which then improves metabolic syndrome factors such as insulin sensitivity," Baker-Smith said.

[ConservativeMind]

There is a vicious circle involved, here. Having sleep apnea from chronic lung issues makes you gain a lot of weight. Gaining weight from eating and lack of exercise gives you sleep apnea, which further makes you obese.

While losing weight, consider sleeping on your sides, which helps minimize snoring and apnea. Lose the weight or reduce your lung issues and consider getting a sleep study to see if a a stronger therapy or even an operation might be needed. Get good, healthy sleep for your best future.

[eyeamok]

habitual snoring, more than 3 nights per week; - gasps or snorting noises while sleeping; - labored breathing during sleep;

That's me if you throw in a 2 mile jog while you sleep, but I am not overweight, have no health problems, have low blood pressure and am 61. I get about 4-6 hours of sleep a night. Go Figure

[dainbramaged]

That sounds like central sleep apnea - you should get a sleep test and find out. It could make a huge difference.

[eyeamok]

The problem is, it has been like this my whole life, one thing though, you can NOT wake me up when I am sleeping, I won’t wake up, when I go down it is for 3-4 hours no matter what, I used to sleep walk as a kid. I just chalk it up being born with Gods gift to Humanity that was never stifled with mood altering drugs administered by the State, ADD and HDD

[vpintheak]

Little fat, computer playing mommas boys. Almost 100% certain of it.

[BuffaloJack]

The kid has a nutrient deficiency problem. B1 is used by the body to keep the nerves controlling the diaphragm running properly. Severe deficiency is beriberi, but borderline deficiency shows up as apnea.