Sleep Apnea In Children Might Result In Significantly Reduced IQ Scores

Though we have known for some time now that children who are suffering from sleep apnea frequently produce low scores on IQ tests (usually scoring an average of 85 against a score of 101 without sleep apnea) what has not been known until recently is that this results from chemical changes taking place in the brain. What this means is that a naturally 'smart' child could well produce a middle of the road performance as a result of a sleep disorder that can be quite easily treated in most cases.

In a study that was conducted at the Hopkin's Children's Centre in Baltimore a total of 31 children aged between 6 and 16 (19 of whom suffered from severe sleep apnea) were examined using a special form or magnetic resonance imaging and it was discovered that those children suffering from sleep apnea displayed significant changes in both the right frontal cortex and hippocampus - two areas of the human brain linked with higher mental function and learning. This same study also discovered that these children had altered levels of three specific chemicals in the brain which is an indication of brain damage.

This change in the chemistry of the brain stemming from the presence of sleep apnea could or could not be lasting and additional studies will be needed to see whether this affect is reversible. Nonetheless, even if reversal is possible and the cognitive function and chemistry of the brain can be normalized, children who are suffering from sleep apnea are going to show a loss in learning as long as they are suffering from sleep apnea that is left untreated and they will be unable to wind back the clock and recover this learning time.

Of course parents should already be watching for indications of sleep apnea in their children but this latest study clearly shows that the early diagnosis and treatment of this sleep disorder could well have a very significant affect on a child's prospects.

The symptoms of sleep apnea might include repeated pauses in breathing during sleep that frequently result in an arousal from sleep as well as tossing and turning in bed. A child could also display labored and loud breathing, snoring, coughing, gasping and, at times, bedwetting at an age when this phase ought normally to have passed. Parents may also note that a child is sleeping in an unusual position, possibly with their bottom in the air and their head slanted backwards in an unconscious attempt to force their airway open.

In almost all cases child sleep apnea may be treated by the surgical removal of the adenoids and tonsils or excess tissue from the back of the throat or from the nose. Additionally, a CPAP (continuous positive airways pressure) machine can also be recommended to provide the child with a flow of air that is delivered through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open.

Sleep apnea is in itself debilitating for any child and the affects of a lengthy period of poor quality sleep will take its toll on your child. However, when you mix this with a reduction in your child's IQ, it becomes imperative that you act as fast as possible to see that this problem is diagnosed and treated.