Sleep apnea is one of the most serious sleep disorders that can affect anyone at any age. Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder that is characterized with several apneic episodes (cessation of breathing) during sleep. Sleep apnea can cause negative side effect to the body, which can affect a person’s overall health. Teenagers who suffer from sleep apnea have higher risks for negative side effects to the overall health than adults, since teenagers require more hours of sleep (at least 9 hours of sleep) per night. Sleep apnea can make sleeping in an average of 9 hours in teenagers seem impossible.
Problems in Breathing
One possible cause of sleep apnea in general is too large or swollen adenoids or tonsils. In teenagers, having a swollen adenoids or tonsils can obstruct the space between the nose and throat, which can cause breathing problems. Problems in breathing will not only happen during sleep, it can also happen all throughout the day.
Snoring Problems
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. Normally, teenagers do not have any snoring problems. However, if they are suffering from sleep apnea, they will most likely snore all throughout the night. Snoring all throughout the night can lead teenagers to wake up the next morning with a dry throat and possibly a sore throat. Snoring can be a real problem, when it disrupts sleep. Snoring will not only disrupt a person’s sleep, it can also cause insufficient oxygen to be inhaled, making a person wake up the next day feeling not well rested and not refreshed.
Waking Up Several Times Every Night
Sleep apnea can cause a person, not just teenagers to suddenly wake up from their sleep and gasping for air. Waking up several times per night can be very stressful, which can cause teenagers to be exhausted, confused, and stressed-out.
Poor Performance in School
Sleep is very important to recharge the brain and for everyone to function at their best during the day. Teenagers still need to go to school during the day, and when they do not get enough and proper sleep at night, their school performance will be greatly affected. Teenagers with sleep apnea can cause severe drowsiness during the day. Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder that should not be taken lightly. If you think that your son or daughter that is a teenager has signs of sleep apnea, seek consult to any sleep specialist for proper diagnosis and right treatment.
