Sleep apnea is a growing problem among teenagers. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and make their day-to-day lives very difficult. There are a variety of signs and symptoms that may indicate your teen has sleep apnea.
If you notice your teen snore very loudly during the day, they may have sleep apnea. Another commonly overlooked sign of this condition is a dip in academic performance. If your teen has trouble sleeping well at night, they may find it challenging to concentrate at school and get lower grades as a result.
Behavior problems may indicate sleep apnea in teens as well. If your teen is constantly moody, irritable, or even depressed, they may be acting this way because they cannot sleep well. Other symptoms of sleep apnea in teens include:
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Hyperactivity
• Daytime sleepiness
• Hyperactivity
• Challenges staying asleep
• Nightmares, sleep walking, and other unusual events during sleep.
If you believe your teen is displaying any signs of sleep apnea, it’s essential to take them to the doctor as soon as possible. While some teens are diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, others have more severe cases of this condition. Severe sleep apnea is typically more prevalent in teens with a family history of sleep apnea and a higher body mass index.
In the event your teen is diagnosed with sleep apnea, a variety of treatments may be prescribed. A CPAP machine or another device may be prescribed to increase air pressure in their throat so that their airway does not collapse when they breathe in.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you believe your teen may have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to contact an appointment at our office by calling 703-439-1214.