New Study: How Frequent Snoring Affects Children and Teenagers’ Behavior

A recent study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that children and teenagers who snore frequently—“three times or more per week”—are more likely to develop behavioral problems such as: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), rule-breaking, aggression, and social failure. Interestingly, these children do not show any decline in cognitive abilities, and their behaviors are not due to neurological disorders in the brain.

To explore the causes in detail, Dr. Saeed El-Alfi, Professor of Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases, explained the relationship between frequent snoring and behavioral problems in children and adolescents, as well as the causes of snoring and treatment options.

Snoring and Its Impact on Sleep

What is snoring?

Snoring is the sound caused by vibration of soft tissues in the upper airway during sleep, when the body relaxes. The muscles of the throat, tongue, and uvula relax, potentially causing partial or complete airway obstruction, which leads to snoring.

Persistent snoring can cause sleep disruption or sleep apnea, affecting brain functions such as attention, memory, focus, and behavior.

Causes of Snoring in Children

1. Airway Obstruction
   Snoring can result from blocked nasal or throat passages due to colds, allergies, or enlarged tonsils. Chronic obstruction increases the risk of snoring.

2. Structural Abnormalities
   Some children have nasal or throat deformities, like a deviated septum, which make breathing during sleep difficult.

3. Obesity
   Excess weight increases tissue in the throat, narrowing the airway. Overweight children and teenagers are more prone to sleep problems, including snoring.

4. Sinus Infections
   Sinus inflammation can block the airway, making breathing harder during sleep.

5. Sleeping on the Back
   Lying on the back can worsen airway obstruction as the tongue and soft tissues fall backward.

6. Genetics
   A family history of snoring increases the likelihood of children developing it.

Chronic nighttime breathing problems can reduce oxygen supply to the brain slightly, causing minor changes over time, especially during childhood brain development.

Advice for Parents

• If your child snores regularly, consult a doctor to check for underlying conditions.

• Encourage healthy weight, regular exercise, and avoidance of smoking or second-hand smoke.

• Adjust sleep position and address any medical conditions, such as enlarged tonsils.

5 Behavioral Effects of Snoring

1. Sleep Disruption
   Frequent snoring leads to poor-quality sleep, affecting the brain’s regulation of emotions, behavior, and attention.

2. Aggression and Social Problems
   Children and teens who snore three or more times per week are more likely to show inattentiveness, cause trouble, exhibit aggression, and have difficulty forming friendships.

3. Hyperactivity and Irritability
   Sleep deprivation increases stress hormones, making teenagers more irritable, impulsive, and hyperactive.

4. Difficulty Concentrating and Academic Challenges
   Lack of sleep impairs attention, memory, and information retention, which can negatively impact learning and school performance.

5. Emotional and Social Issues
   Snoring and sleep apnea may lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Treatment of Snoring

• Evaluate persistent snoring carefully. If linked to behavioral issues, consult a doctor to identify the cause—whether airway obstruction or neurological problems.

• Treatments may include tonsil or adenoid removal, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, weight loss, or adjusting sleep position.

• Ongoing snoring with additional symptoms like daytime sleepiness or breathing difficulty requires medical attention.

• Psychological support may be needed to help the child or teenager cope with emotional and behavioral challenges caused by sleep disruption.