The Critical Link Between Breathing and a Child’s Sleep: 2 Essential Insights

In the tranquil world of childhood, where dreams are spun from the purest of imagination, sleep should be a sanctuary. It’s a time for rest, growth, and the restoration of energy for the adventures that lie ahead. However, for many children, this sanctuary is elusive due to a problem that often goes unnoticed: struggling to breathe properly. In today’s blog, we delve into this issue that plagues more than half of kids under 9, explore the reasons behind it, particularly in relation to breathing, and underscore the importance of seeking an assessment by an airway specialist before embarking on any sleep training regimen.

1. The Silent Epidemic: Mouth Breathing in Children

In a world where we’re quick to label everything as “normal,” the act of children struggling to breathe is often dismissed as a fleeting concern. However, recent studies have unveiled a shocking revelation: more than half of children under the age of nine are mouth breathers. This is not just a statistic; it’s a call for attention to a silent epidemic that’s affecting our children’s sleep and overall health.

Mouth breathing occurs when a child habitually breathes through their mouth rather than their nose. While occasional mouth breathing is normal, chronic mouth breathing can lead to a range of problems. Many parents, caregivers, and even healthcare professionals might not consider this a pressing issue, but it’s time we recognize the serious repercussions of untreated mouth breathing in children.

The Consequences of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing might seem innocuous, but it can wreak havoc on a child’s health and quality of life. Here are some of the consequences:

2. The Importance of Assessment by an Airway Specialist

Now that we understand the gravity of the issue, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of having your child assessed by an airway specialist before considering any behavioral approaches to improve their sleep. At Cura Sleep Group, we prioritize this step because we recognize that addressing the root cause is paramount.

An airway specialist conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess the extent of your child’s breathing difficulties. This evaluation typically encompasses a detailed review of your child’s medical history, a behavioral assessment, and an in-person video examination of your child’s oral health. Armed with a precise understanding of the underlying concerns, the specialist can then create a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to your child’s needs.

Children struggling to breathe properly is a widespread problem, with chronic mouth breathing affecting more than half of kids under 9. As parents and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to recognize the signs and seek professional help. At Cura Sleep Group, we believe that addressing the root cause of sleep issues is essential for the well-being of children. Sleep training, whether gentle or otherwise, should only be considered after a thorough assessment by an airway specialist to ensure that the child can breathe freely and sleep soundly. Let’s prioritize our children’s health and quality of sleep, for they deserve nothing less than a restful and rejuvenating sleep.