Childhood obesity rates are rising significantly, with the World Health Organization announcing that for the first time in history, the number of obese children worldwide has surpassed the number of underweight children.

According to health experts, the “obesity crisis” is linked to an increase in cases of sleep apnea among children, a serious condition previously thought to affect only adults.

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep and is associated with severe health risks including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In children, it often arises due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, along with the direct role of obesity in worsening the condition.

Experts reveal three main warning signs of this condition in children that parents should watch for:

1. Chronic and Loud Snoring

Persistent and loud snoring is a major warning sign, indicating difficulty in airflow through the respiratory tract during sleep. This differs from occasional normal snoring, as this type is regular and accompanied by a loud sound resembling choking or gasping.

This noise results from the vibration of soft tissues in the throat due to air resistance during breathing attempts, warranting a doctor’s evaluation.

2. Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness

Children with sleep apnea show clear signs of exhaustion during waking hours, waking up tired despite having had enough sleep. This manifests as difficulty waking up in the morning, frequent yawning, poor concentration at school, and even involuntary sleep during daily activities.

These symptoms stem from the body’s lack of sufficient deep sleep due to repeated breathing interruptions.

3. Abnormal Sleep Positions

Children may involuntarily adopt unusual sleeping positions to improve airflow, such as excessively tilting the head backward, sleeping with the mouth open, or sleeping in a sitting position.

They may also exhibit repeated movements like constant tossing and turning or sudden waking episodes. These behaviors represent the body’s attempt to overcome breathing difficulties and indicate the child is exerting extra effort to breathe during sleep.

Health experts say: “Children with obstructive sleep apnea may adopt unusual sleep positions to breathe more easily. If you notice this, monitor other concerning symptoms and consult a doctor if worried.”

Other signs of sleep apnea may include:

• Waking up briefly throughout the night
• Waking up feeling tired, unhappy, or refusing breakfast
• Poor growth and weight gain
• Hyperactivity or aggression, especially in young children

Experts recommend consulting a doctor if these symptoms are observed.

Prevention is key in addressing sleep apnea in children and can be achieved through an integrated approach focusing on three main pillars:

• First, nutrition regulation is crucial; dinner should be served at least two to three hours before bedtime, focusing on light, low-fat, low-sugar meals. Avoid late-night snacks and ensure a balanced dinner with proteins and vegetables, replacing sodas and sugary juices with water or warm milk.
• Second, regular physical activity plays a central role in improving sleep quality by strengthening respiratory muscles and enhancing respiratory system efficiency. It is recommended to engage in 60 minutes of physical activity daily, focusing on aerobic exercises like brisk walking, swimming, and cycling, which improve circulation and open airways. Physical activity can also be integrated into daily routines by taking stairs instead of elevators and participating in group physical games.
• Third, improving sleep quality is closely linked to daily habits, creating a comfortable sleep environment by darkening the room, reducing noise, and maintaining an appropriate temperature. A regular sleep schedule should be followed, limiting electronic device use at least one hour before bedtime, replacing it with relaxing activities like reading or listening to calm music.

It is worth noting that these preventive measures not only protect against sleep apnea but also contribute to improving overall health and quality of life in children.