Deep sleep?

Once thought to be a sign that babies were having a good, deep sleep, we now know that snoring is doing quite the opposite.

When children are snoring or their breathing is loud and turbulent, that's a sign that their airway is obstructed. It means they're working harder to breathe and are having a worse nights sleep - not a deep one.

It could be that their nose is obstructed or their throat is obstructed, either by something physical or by inflammation.
It's why if you see a speech therapist, they'll always ask if your little one snores.

Snoring in children is not typical and effects sleep negatively, impacting behaviour and learning.
Poor sleep from snoring can cause children to be more impulsive, struggle to concentrate, appear 'overly sensitive' or angry and tire easily.
It may mean your child has obstructive sleep aponea, most often caused by large tonsils or adenoids in their airway.

Untreated - snoring and obstructive sleep aponea can have life-long consequences.

See your GP if your little one is snoring. Listen for and tell them if your little one:
- also has noisy breathing in the day
- has frequent ear infections
- mouth breathes
- is behind in their language milestones
- exhibits behaviours you're concerned about
- has any difficulty chewing and swallowing food
- eats very slowly

Take a video on your phone of their snoring whilst sleeping if you can to show your gp or a specialist.

If you feel fobbed off - get a second opinion, ask for a referral to see an ENT specialist or for a sleep study.

Reach out if you have any questions.

You've got this.

Share with a parent who might need to know this in the future and save for later!

Watch the full reel here