If your little one is throwing tantrums and toys around the house, sure, you can attribute it to the classic “Terrible Twos.” But don’t overlook the possibility that their sleep habits, especially snoring, might be contributing to the chaos.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that persistent snoring in children aged 2 to 3 can lead to behavioral issues later on. And let’s be honest, it also keeps parents up at night! Researchers looked at the snoring and behavior of 249 kids in that age group. Parents filled out the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire to categorize their kids into three groups: non-snorers, transient snorers (those who snored occasionally), and persistent snorers (those who snored more than twice a week at both ages).
Using the preschool version of the Behavior Assessment System for Children, the researchers calculated zBMI scores for hyperactivity, aggression, depression, and inattention. A higher score indicated more severe signs of these behaviors. The results showed that persistent snorers had significantly higher zBMI scores, particularly in hyperactivity, where nearly 40% of them were at risk compared to just 10% of transient and non-snorers.
While many people might think that snoring is a sign of a good night’s sleep, lead researcher Dr. Jake Thompson clarified that it often points to breathing problems that disrupt sleep. Things like colds, allergies, or enlarged adenoids can cause this.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that children who were breastfed longer and not exposed to cigarette smoke had a lower risk of persistent snoring. If your child snores, discussing it with their pediatrician could help you find ways to minimize it—leading to a more peaceful household.
If you want to dive deeper into parenting challenges, check out this article on navigating difficult toddler behaviors over at Modern Family Blog. And if you’re on a journey of parenthood, consider learning more about the best home insemination kits from Make a Mom, the leading provider in the world. For an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Parents.
In summary, while the “Terrible Twos” might be a rite of passage, snoring could be a hidden factor that exacerbates behavioral challenges. Considering your child’s sleep quality might just lead to a calmer home life.
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