Breathing Problems During Sleep and Daytime Behavior Problems

Sleep-disordered breathing problems such as snoring and sleep apnea (interruptions in breathing during sleep) are common problems in young children. However, it's not well understood how these breathing problems affect children's waking hours. Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine examined the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing problems and behavior in children.

The parents of 3,019 5-year-old girls and boys completed questionnaires about sleep habits and problems. Parents noted whether their children snored, breathed loudly or noisily during sleep, or experienced sleep apnea and whether their children seemed sleepy during the daytime. Parents also reported whether their children were hyperactive, inattentive, or aggressive.

One quarter of the children experienced symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. Nineteen percent of children were reported to be hyperactive by their parents, and 18% were reported to be inattentive. Children with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing were more likely to experience daytime sleepiness when compared to children without sleep-disordered breathing symptoms. In addition, children with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing were more likely to experience problem behaviors, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and aggressiveness.

What This Means to You: Many children experience sleep-disordered breathing problems such as snoring and sleep apnea, and these problems may play a role in problem behaviors such as hyperactivity, aggressiveness, and inattention. If you notice that your child is snoring regularly, has labored or noisy breathing during sleep, is sleepy during the day, or has begun having behavioral problems, talk to your child's doctor. Your child may need to be evaluated and treated for a sleep disorder.

Source: Daniel J. Gottlieb, MD, MPH; Richard M. Vezina, MPH; Cynthia Chase, PhD; Samuel M. Lesko, MD, MPH; Timothy C. Heeren, PhD; Debra E. Weese-Mayer, MD; Sanford H. Auerbach, MD; and Michael J. Corwin, MD; Pediatrics, October 2003

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: October 2003

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