Child Sleep Apnea Can Cause Substantially Lower IQ Scores
Although it has been known for a long time now that children who have sleep apnea frequently show poor scores on IQ tests (usually scoring an average of 85 as opposed to a score of 101 for children who are not suffering from sleep apnea) one thing which what has not been known until very recently is that this results from chemical changes within the brain. In other words an otherwise intelligent kid could well turn in a mediocre performance as a result of nothing more than a sleeping problem which, in most cases, can be quite simply treated.
In a study undertaken in Baltimore, 31 children between the ages of 6 and 16 (19 of whom were suffering from severe sleep apnea) were examined with a special type or MRI and it was noted that the children with sleep apnea displayed significant changes in the right frontal cortex and hippocampus which are areas of the brain which are connected with higher mental function and learning.
The study also showed that these kids had levels of three brain chemicals which were indicative of brain damage. This alteration of the chemistry of the brain brought about by the presence of sleep apnea might or might not be lasting and, at this stage, additional studies are required to see whether or not this effect can be reversed.
However, even if reversal is possible and the brain chemistry and cognitive function can be returned to normal, kids with sleep apnea will suffer learning problems as long as they have untreated sleep apnea and certainly cannot rewind time and regain this learning period.
Naturally, parents should already be on the lookout for signs of sleep apnea in their children but this study clearly shows that early diagnosis and treatment of this sleeping problem might have a very considerable affect on a child's success in later life.
There are several signs of sleep apnea including numerous pauses in breathing during sleep which often result in an arousal from sleep and tossing and turning in bed. Children may also display labored or loud breathing, snoring, gasping, coughing and, on occasions, bedwetting at a time when should normally have passed.
Parents could also see a child sleeping in an odd position, possible with their bottom sticking up in the air and with their head tilted back in an unconscious effort to keep their airway open.
In most cases child sleep apnea can be treated by removing the tonsils and adenoids, or excess tissue from the back of the throat or nose. In addition, a CPAP machine may also be employed to give the child an airflow delivered using a mask that is worn during sleep to keep the airway open.
Sleep apnea is in itself incapacitating for any kid and the effect of night after night of poor quality sleep will take their toll on your child. However, when this is combined with an impairment of your child's IQ, it becomes vital that you act as soon as you can to get this condition professionally diagnosed and treated.
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