Sleep apnoea living in teenagers

Overview

Sleep apnoea (say: ap-nee-uh) is a condition where your breathing stops and starts many times while you sleep. It happens because the airway in your throat gets blocked or the brain doesn't send the right signals to breathe.

Sleep apnoea in teenagers is less common than in adults, but it's not rare. It affects about 1 to 4 out of every 100 teens.

It can affect any teenager, but it's more common in teens who are overweight, have large tonsils or adenoids, or have a family history of sleep apnoea.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Loud snoring most nights
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Pauses in breathing (noticed by someone else)
• Daytime sleepiness (difficulty staying awake in class)
• Morning headaches
• Moodiness or irritability

Symptoms in children

• Bedwetting (in younger teens)
• Hyperactivity or trouble paying attention
• Learning difficulties

Symptoms in older adults

• Loud snoring with periods of silence
• Waking up gasping for air
• Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
• Headaches, mood changes, and fatigue

Causes

Main causes

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (most common in teens): The airway gets blocked, often by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or excess weight.
• Central sleep apnoea (less common): The brain doesn't send the right signals to breathe.

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Large tonsils or adenoids
• Family history of sleep apnoea
• Certain facial features like a small jaw or narrow airway
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your teen has severe breathing pauses that worry you
• If they suddenly fall asleep during activities like eating or talking

Book a routine appointment if:

• If they snore loudly most nights
• If they seem very tired during the day despite enough sleep
• If they have morning headaches or dry mouth

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about symptoms and may recommend a sleep study. A sleep study is a test that measures your breathing, heart rate, and brain activity while you sleep.

Tests that may be done

• A sleep study (polysomnogram) – either at a sleep centre or at home with a portable device
• A questionnaire about sleepiness (like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale)
• Physical exam of your throat and nose

What to expect at your appointment

During a sleep study, you'll be hooked up to sensors that are painless. You'll sleep in a private room. The results help the doctor understand what's happening.

Treatment

Treatment for sleep apnoea in teens focuses on helping you breathe better during sleep and reducing symptoms. It often starts with lifestyle changes and may include a device to keep your airway open.

Self-care at home

• Lose weight if overweight – even a small loss can help
• Avoid sleeping on your back (try side-sleeping)
• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives (they relax the airway)

Medical treatments

The most common treatment is positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. This uses a machine that blows air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep. For teens with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, surgery to remove them may help. In some cases, a dental device that moves the jaw forward can be used. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you.

When is surgery considered?

If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the cause, removing them (adenotonsillectomy) can cure sleep apnoea in many teens. It's a common surgery with good results.

Living with this condition

Living with sleep apnoea means managing your treatment and making healthy choices. Using a CPAP machine can take some getting used to, but it helps you sleep better and feel more alert during the day.

Lifestyle tips

• Use your CPAP or other device every night
• Keep a consistent bedtime routine
• Stay active during the day to promote good sleep
• Avoid caffeine and screens before bed

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help with weight management and overall sleep quality. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, but not too close to bedtime.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Sleep apnoea can make you feel tired, moody, and irritable. It can affect your school performance and relationships. If you feel sad or anxious, talk to your parents, doctor, or a school counsellor. You are not alone.

Prevention

While not all cases can be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking can lower the risk. Treating allergies or nasal congestion may also help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart problems like high blood pressure
• Trouble concentrating in school
• Growth problems in younger teens
• Increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, most teens with sleep apnoea can manage their symptoms well and lead healthy, active lives. Many see big improvements in energy, mood, and school performance.

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