Sleep Challenges in Adolescents
Common sense tells us that if a teenager is not getting quality sleep, over time, this may have detrimental effects on every aspect of their life. Issues related to sleep disorders in teens can include declines in school performance, attention deficits, irritability, mood swings, weight gain, prediabetes, headaches, daytime sleepiness, bedwetting, and even overactive bladder.
Undiagnosed adolescent sleep apnea typically worsens over time. The harmful effects of this condition can exacerbate many other physical and mental health problems.
Numerous studies have shown a direct relationship between the presence of sleep apnea and various behavior problems in teens. One recent study indicated that the incidence of sleep-disordered breathing in ADHD patients could be as high as 57% (Sedky et al. 2014). In addition to mental health issues, untreated adolescent sleep apnea can lead to a range of physical health problems including weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
Typical presentations for pediatric sleep apnea may include…
- Loud snoring, gasping, snorting, or labored breathing during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or exhaustion
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty waking up
- Irritability, aggressive or erratic behavior
- Difficulty concentrating, ADHD
- Declines in academic performance
- Waking up throughout the night
- Bedwetting
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic congestion
- Mouth breathing
- Unexplained changes in weight
- Dry mouth in the morning