Snoring in kids is becoming more common, but it’s not just a harmless habit—it could be a sign of underlying health issues. From poor sleep habits and allergies to obesity and nasal congestion, several factors contribute to this rising problem. If left unchecked, frequent snoring can affect a child’s sleep quality, energy levels, and even overall development. Here’s why it’s happening and what parents can do to help.
What Is Snoring?
Snoring is the harsh sound produced due to an obstruction to the smooth flow of air through the passages of the nose and the throat when the collapsible soft tissue structures in this area (i.e. tongue, soft palate, uvula, tonsils, adenoids and pharyngeal wall) strike one another and vibrate during breathing in sleep.
Habitual snoring may be an indication of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Common Factors For Paediatric Snoring:
Tonsillar and/or adenoid hypertrophy:
Adenoids are glands located inside of your head, near the inner parts of your nasal passages. Tonsils and adenoids help trap harmful bacteria, but they can become very large in some children and obstruct the airway.
Allergic rhinitis:
Seasonal allergies can make people’s noses stuffy and cause them to snore. A Deviated Nasal Septum can also be a contributing factor.
Obesity and overweight:
Recent trends of fast food eating have also increased weight gain in children. Being overweight can cause the narrowing of the air passages due to excess fat and tissue around the neck.
Increased screen time and poor diet:
Increased screen time and poor diet significantly increase snoring in children to some extent. Screen time can make it harder for children to fall asleep and reduce the quality of their sleep. This can be due to displacement of sleep time, light and psychological stimulation eventually leading to poor sleep hygiene and increasing snoring.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Untreated OSA – Obstructive Sleep Apnea may lead to daytime somnolence; neurobehavioural, cognitive and functional impairment; and adversely affect learning, school performance and quality of life.OSA is also associated with significant cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities. Adolescents with OSA were found to have a six-fold increase in the odds of developing metabolic syndrome compared to those without. Failure to thrive may be present in some children with OSA due to increased work of breathing during sleep and disruption of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 circulating level. Pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale are potential complications of severe untreated OSA.
Besides nutrition and physical activity, sleep is an important component that contributes to the healthy growth and development of a child.
What Should Parents Do:
Maintain a healthy weight: If your child is overweight or obese, encourage healthy eating habits and regular physical activity to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Establish a regular sleep schedule: Consistent sleep routines can help improve sleep quality and reduce snoring.
Limit screen time before bed: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.
Create a comfortable sleep environment: Ensure a quiet, dark, and cool sleeping environment.
Address allergies: If allergies contribute to snoring, work with your child’s doctor to manage their allergies through medications and avoiding allergens.
In some cases, there is need to seek medical advice if there is no improvement even after these measures.
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Janani S Koushik
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Mansi Zaveri
