A new US study finds that young children who snore loudly may be at risk for behavioural problems.
Researchers found that young children who persistently snore loudly are more likely to have behaviour problems, such as hyperactivity, attention problems, and depression. The study was published online in Pediatrics on Aug 13, 2012.
Dr Dean Beebe, director of the neuropsychology programme at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio, and his team looked at data from 249 children. Nine per cent snored loudly two or more times a week when they were ages two and three. This group was found to be more likely to have behaviour issues when they were three years old, compared to children who didn't snore or those who snored only at age two or three, but not both years.
However, interestingly, the researchers note that breastfeeding during infancy could help protect kids from snoring and even possibly its negative impact on behaviour.
“Some snoring is normal, such as when a child has a cold,” Beebe told WebMD. “But if you are concerned, speak with your child's paediatrician.” He adds: “New mums should strongly consider breastfeeding for as long as possible because it can have a strong protective effect against snoring.”
“If your kids snore, you have to ask more,” Dr Richard M. Kravitz, medical director of the paediatric sleep lab at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, told WebMD. “Don't sleep on it, act on it.” He adds that “snoring is not normal for children,” and that your child may need surgery to remove his or her tonsils or adenoids. - AFP-Relaxnews
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
