There was identified a close relation of snoring with behavior problems in children. The purpose of the research was to examine whether snoring is associated with nighttime breathing problems and behavior in the community or not. To access night’s sleep and breathing, researches used polysomnography while RDI (Respiratory Disturbance Index) served as an indicator of respiratory events during sleep. There were studied 403 participants aged between 6-12 years.
The results showed that children who had high RDI were more likely to suffer from the lack of attention, aggression, oppositional behavior, social problems, and cognitive problems. Also, it was identified that Internalizing behaviors and hyperactivity had no strong relation to high RDIs. Specific patterns of behavioral morbidity weren’t established. Researchers have concluded that there is a close relation between behavioral problems and nocturnal breathing events and find it very important to address these problems in a timely and effective manner as soon as possible.
Shelagh A. Mulvaney, James L. Goodwin, Wayne J. Morgan, Gerald R. Rosen, Stuart F. Quan, and Kristine L. Kaemingk, “Behavior Problems Associated with Sleep Disordered Breathing in School-Aged Children—the Tucson Children’s Assessment of Sleep Apnea Study”, April 20, 2005