Snoring May Indicate Behavior Issues in Kids

Scientists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, led by expert Dean Beebe, PhD, recently linked snoring with a host of behavioral problems in children. Their work, which primarily refers to loud and persistent snoring, is detailed in the latest online issue of the journal Pediatrics.

Some of the problems that have been associated with this type of snoring include hyperactivity, depression and inattention, the team says. Statistically, about 10 percent of all kids snore very loudly.

Children who were not breastfed, or who were breastfed for only a limited amount of time, and those of lower socioeconomic status, were found to be the most likely to snore. Doctors could take these factors into account when examining the little ones, and then refer them to a specialist for treatment.

“Failing to screen, or taking a ‘wait and see’ approach on snoring, could make preschool behavior problems worse. The findings also support the encouragement and facilitation of infant breastfeeding,” Beebe says, quoted by PsychCentral.