Q: What is sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children?
A: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a spectrum of conditions where airflow is partially or completely blocked during sleep. In kids, this ranges from habitual snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Even mild breathing disruptions can affect growth, learning, and behavior.
Q: Why does SDB matter for kids and teens?
A: Because poor sleep impacts the whole child. Sleep-disordered breathing can lead to:
- Daytime sleepiness and irritability
- Attention and focus problems (sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD)
- Slowed growth due to disrupted growth hormone release
- Poor academic performance
- Increased risk of obesity and metabolic issues
- Dental and facial growth changes from chronic mouth breathing
Q: What are the early signs parents should watch for?
A: Warning signs include:
- Loud snoring remedies more than 3 nights a week
- Mouth breathing day and night
- Restless sleep (tossing, bedwetting, night sweats)
- Pauses in breathing or gasping at night
- Frequent waking or night terrors
- Grinding teeth (bruxism) in sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Difficulty waking, daytime fatigue, irritability, or hyperactivity
Q: How do providers spot SDB in pediatric patients?
A: Pediatricians, dentists, orthodontists, and ENTs should consider referral if they notice:
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids or chronic nasal congestion
- Narrow palate or dental crowding
- Forward head posture or dark circles under the eyes
- Parent reports of snoring, pauses in breathing, or restless nights
- Orthodontic relapse after braces in a child who mouth breathes
Q: What causes sleep-disordered breathing in children?
A: Common contributors include:
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Nasal obstruction (allergies, deviated septum, chronic sinus issues)
- Oral restrictions (tongue tie limiting tongue posture)
- Obesity or reduced airway tone
- Craniofacial structure (narrow palate, retruded jaw)
- Poor oral rest posture and mouth breathing habits
Q: How does BreatheWorks help with SDB?
A: We provide therapy that complements medical care:
- Myofunctional therapy to strengthen airway muscles and promote nasal breathing
- Tongue and lip exercises to restore healthy oral posture
- Swallow retraining to eliminate tongue thrust and support airway function
- Breathing drills to reinforce quiet, efficient nasal breathing
- Parent coaching for healthy bedtime routines and breathing practices
We collaborate closely with ENTs, pediatricians, orthodontists, and dentists to ensure children receive comprehensive care.
Q: Can therapy for SDB be done virtually?
A: Yes. BreatheWorks provides the same high-quality therapy virtually as in-person. Through secure telehealth, families can access evaluations, live exercise coaching, and ongoing progress tracking—ideal for busy parents or families outside our clinic neighborhoods.
Q: Where do you offer care?
A: In-person therapy is available in:
- Portland, Oregon
- Eugene, Oregon
- Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Bellevue, Washington
- Amarillo, Texas
We also offer virtual care nationwide.
Quick FAQs
Is snoring normal for kids? Occasional snoring with a cold may be normal. Habitual snoring is a red flag for sleep-disordered breathing.
Can mouth breathing cause sleep problems? Yes—mouth breathing often contributes to fragmented sleep, dental changes, and airway collapse.
Does my child need a sleep study? If SDB is suspected, your pediatrician or ENT may recommend a sleep study to measure breathing and oxygen levels.
Can therapy replace surgery? Not always. Therapy may be part of care before or after ENT or dental intervention to improve outcomes.
Next Steps
If your child snores, mouth breathes, or struggles with restless sleep, don’t wait—early intervention protects long-term health.
- Schedule a pediatric sleep & airway evaluation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers: Refer a patient to BreatheWorks
