If you’re a smoker, it’s easy to fixate on how your habit affects your body while being completely oblivious to how it affects those around you. Secondhand smoke has all sorts of negative side effects; not only is it smelly and harsh, but there has been research indicating that it can even lead to harmful health effects—which is very unfortunate given that in most instances, those who are exposed to secondhand smoke don’t have a say in the matter, like children! But among all of the issues that can result from frequent exposure to secondhand smoke, did you know that a heightened risk of obstructive sleep apnea in children is also a possibility? Continue reading below to learn a little more about how your smoking habit could end up causing your little one to struggle to get a good night’s rest.
What Happens During Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by blockage that occurs in the airway during sleep, which causes patients to wake up multiple times to normalize their breathing pattern. Since these episodes can occur hundreds of times throughout the night, the compounding effect of lost sleep can prove quite detrimental and lead to all sorts of issues beyond daytime fatigue and impaired cognitive function. These drops in oxygen levels can be quite harmful to children with developing bodies, and the condition is not something that’ll resolve itself. In fact, it’s often made worse when their parents are smokers!
How Does Secondhand Smoke Influence Sleep Apnea?
Although sleep apnea is fairly rare in children, having only around a 4% prevalence rate, children are at a significantly higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea if they’re exposed to secondhand smoke. Studies published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology reveal this correlation, but the data is still somewhat preliminary and not entirely conclusive. It has to do heavily with the irritation caused to the respiratory system by the smoke, as well as the chemicals in the smoking having the potential to interfere with melatonin production. The short version is that there’s discernable evidence that secondhand smoke does have the potential to worsen sleep apnea, even in kids!
What Should I Do If My Child Has Sleep Apnea?
If your child seems unusually sleepy during the day, is struggling to pay attention in school, or is experiencing other issues that relate to a lack of sleep, it’s cause for concern. While giving up your smoking habit is certain to help, there is no better way to address sleep apnea than by taking your child to receive a diagnosis and following up with appropriate treatment. Often, oral appliance therapy or the use of a CPAP machine is able to help patients of any age manage their symptoms and experience better-quality rest.
Your child’s sleep is far too important for them to suffer from sleep apnea at such a young age—and granted that secondhand smoke has the potential to exacerbate issues related to the condition, the most sensible thing to do is to create a smoke-free sleeping environment for everyone in your household!
About the Practice
The talented team at Star Sleep & Wellness in Irving has proudly served patients and families in the Irving area and surrounding DFW metroplex for several years, and they’d be happy to provide you with an effective solution for managing your sleep apnea. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a consultation, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further information or assistance: (844) 409-4657.