Sleep-Disordered Breathing Tied to Risk for Behavioral, Emotional Problems

The largest and most comprehensive study of its kind conducted by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine reveals that young children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are at a higher risk of developing behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, aggressiveness, emotional issues, and friendship difficulties. The study followed over 11,000 children for over six years, demonstrating strong evidence linking snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep apnea to these serious behavioral and social-emotional consequences. SDB symptoms can precede and contribute to these problems. The study suggests that parents and pediatricians should closely monitor sleep-disordered breathing in young children, as early as the first year of life, and consider evaluation by specialists if symptoms are present. The study underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep-disordered breathing in children to mitigate potential behavioral and emotional impacts.

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