By Dan Reid
Is your kid a noisy sleeper? Snoring is a pretty common problem that can happen to anyone- young or old, usually caused by blockages in the nasal passage. But oftentimes the seemingly harmless light snores can lead to some serious medical consequences. So if your child is suffering from any such sleeping disorder, it is time you consult a doctor.
Good food and a good night’s sleep is the secret to a happy and healthy life. And proper rest is all the more necessary for kids to regain their energy after a hectic day full of activity. Persistent snoring in children might be a symptom of sleep apnoea or worse. Mentioned below are some simple remedies you can try at home to curb your child’s snores:
Why do kids snore?
Listed below are some common reasons behind snoring in kids:
• Common cold, allergies and nose blockages
• Swollen tonsils or adenoids
• A crooked septum (i.e. the tissue and cartilage present in between the nostrils)
• Obesity (the throat muscles and tongue close down upon the air passage)
• Down Syndrome (i.e. the slopping chin might result in blockage)
The threats of sleep apnoea:
Occasional light snoring is pretty common among children but if the problem persists then it might be something serious. Some symptoms and threats presented by sleeping disorders are:
• Risk of strokes and heart attacks
• Morning crankiness and lack of concentration
• Swollen puffy eyes, headaches
• Restricted body growth
Snoring solutions:
Constant headaches, dark circles and daytime fatigue are among the most common symptoms of sleeping disorders. If your child shows any such signs such as irritable behaviour, hyperactivity or has trouble concentrating consult his paediatrician. You can even try out these simple solutions to help your child sleep better:
Nasal spray and strips:
A major cause behind those restless nights is troubled breathing, allergies, common cold or other infections often result in mucous accumulation in the inner linings of the nasal passage, leading to blockages. Nasal sprays and vaporizers are among the easiest options to overcome this problem. Available in almost every medical store, nasal sprays contain medicated liquid that clears the mucous linings in the nose. Spraying a cool misty vapour inside the nose opens up the air way helping your child rest better. Also nasal strips that look pretty much like a bandage enhance breathing as the miniscule plastic protruding clears the nose.
Correct sleeping position:
How your child is sleeping also determines the quality of sleep he gets. Sleeping in uncomfortable positions not only results in painful sprains but might also cause a stuffy nose. Sleeping on the back can trigger snoring as the throat muscles close down restricting the air flow. Try rolling your kid gently to his side at night, if that doesn’t work you can even add extra pillows under his head, elevating his head a bit higher assists in breathing. A bit of an inclination opens up the nasal passage thus reducing snoring.
Air purifiers and dehumidifiers:
Oftentimes allergies are triggered by the invisible dust particles hovering about the house that stick in the air and tickle the nostrils. But no matter how vigorously you clean, these miniscule particles remain. Installing air purifiers in the central air conditioning system is a smart way to overcome this issue. Air purifiers and filters suck out the microscopic bacteria and dust particles leaving the air pure and fresh. Also consider installing dehumidifiers in your house if you are living in a hot and dry climatic zone. It balances the moisture content in the air helping you sleep better at night.
Some lifestyle changes:
A major cause behind sleeping disorders can be the irregular lifestyle and obesity. As a parent ensure that your kid goes to bed early and lives a routine life. Fixed sleeping hours help mould the body clock accordingly leaving you refreshed the next morning. Also monitor your child’s diet and daily activity. Obesity is a major problem among kids that if ignores can grow into something even serious. Add fresh fruits and veggies to his meals and try limiting the junk food intake. The fat accumulation in the throat restricts the breathing passage and
Comfortable and peaceful surroundings:
Some other small but significant changes that can be made are:
• Paint the kid’s bedroom in light soothing colours
• Keep the windows open at night to allow fresh air
• Ensure that the mattress and pillows are soft and comfortable
• Dust the bedroom regularly
• Regular clinical check-ups and visits to the doctor
The bottom line
Watching your child suffer is perhaps the worst thing you’d have to endure as a parent. Spare your children from the discomfort of restless nights follow these above mentioned tips to curb snoring problems in your kid.