The backpacks are packed, the alarm clocks are set, and somehow everyone in the house has forgotten how mornings work.
Back-to-school season can be exhausting for the whole family. Kids are adjusting to earlier bedtimes, busy schedules, sports practices, homework, and mornings that suddenly require shoes before noon. So, when your child seems a little extra sleepy in August or September, it is easy to blame the new routine.
But what if that tiredness does not go away?
Sometimes, ongoing fatigue can be a sign that a child is not getting the quality sleep they need. And one possible reason is sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea.
At Lake Forest Smiles, we take a comprehensive approach to dentistry that includes looking beyond teeth and gums to consider breathing, airway health, and sleep.
Wait, Kids Can Have Sleep Apnea?
Yes! Sleep apnea is not only an adult problem.
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Even if your child appears to sleep for plenty of hours, disruptions in breathing can interfere with restful sleep.
The tricky part? Kids cannot always explain that they are sleeping poorly. Instead, parents may notice changes during the day or hear and see clues at night.
Signs to Watch for at Night
Nobody expects you to spend the night staring at your sleeping child. You need sleep too! But there are a few things worth paying attention to if your child seems unusually tired during the day.
Possible nighttime warning signs can include:
- Frequent Snoring: Occasional snoring with a cold is one thing, but regular or loud snoring deserves attention.
- Mouth Breathing: Routinely sleeping with the mouth open may be a clue that your child is having difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose.
- Restless Sleep: Lots of tossing, turning, kicking, or unusual sleeping positions may mean sleep is not as peaceful as it looks.
- Breathing Pauses: Pauses, gasping, choking, or other noticeable changes in breathing during sleep should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare provider.
If something seems unusual, do not brush it off simply because your child technically spent eight, nine, or ten hours in bed.
The Daytime Signs Can Be Sneaky
When adults sleep poorly, we often want coffee, a blanket, and approximately three additional hours in bed. Kids do not always react that way.
Poor-quality sleep can show up as difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood changes, or problems getting through a busy school day. A child may seem unfocused or simply exhausted by the time they get home.
Think about the demands of a typical school day. Kids are expected to listen, learn, remember instructions, transition between activities, complete assignments, socialize, and then possibly head straight to soccer practice or another activity.
Doing all of that without restorative sleep is a tall order.
What Does a Dentist Have to Do With Sleep?
Dentists have a unique opportunity to look at structures in and around the mouth that can be related to breathing and airway function.
At Lake Forest Smiles, airway dentistry and functional sleep are important parts of our comprehensive approach to care. Our team also includes two oral myofunctional therapists who help with breathing treatment and orofacial myofunctional disorders.
That means we are not interested in simply checking teeth and sending families on their way. We want to understand the bigger picture and help identify solutions when something does not seem right.
A Better School Year Can Start With Better Sleep
Back-to-school season is hectic enough without adding poor sleep to the mix. If your child continues to seem exhausted after settling into the school routine, snores regularly, breathes through their mouth, sleeps restlessly, or shows other concerning sleep habits, it may be worth taking a closer look.
Paying attention to breathing and sleep can provide valuable clues about overall well-being. After all, a good night of sleep is not just about the number of hours spent in bed. Quality matters too.
Give Your Family Something to Smile About This School Year
If you have questions about your child’s breathing, airway, or sleep, Lake Forest Smiles is here to help. Our Lake Forest, IL team takes a comprehensive, judgment-free approach to care and can evaluate how oral structures and airway health may be contributing to sleep concerns.
Contact Lake Forest Smiles today to schedule an appointment and help your family start the school year breathing, sleeping, and smiling better!