In this episode of Parents of Mouth Breathers, I’m laying it all out, the overlooked reality of paediatric sleep apnoea, and what it’s really like trying to get your child’s breathing issues taken seriously.
Sleep apnoea in children isn’t rare. It isn’t harmless. And it certainly isn’t something they’ll just "grow out of." It’s oxygen desaturation, chronic sleep disruption, behavioural issues, missed developmental milestones, and most terrifyingly, it’s often ignored.
I share my story of noticing the signs in my eldest at two and a half: the snoring, the mouth breathing, the ragey mornings and puffy eyes. The way he never woke up rested. And how, despite showing GPs videos and flagging every red flag, I was met with smirks, shrugs, and the age-old line: “He’s fine.”
But he wasn’t fine.
From cranial osteopathy and dairy elimination to airway dentists and ENT battles, I talk about the messy, exhausting journey of fighting for a diagnosis, and what finally led to a sleep study and a confirmation of sleep apnoea. I also break down why a multi-disciplinary approach matters, and what parents need to know before blindly opting for surgery.
If your child snores, struggles to breathe at night, or wakes up exhausted and cranky, please listen. You are not overreacting. You are not alone. You are your child’s best advocate.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Paediatric Sleep Apnoea
01:11 – Recognising the Signs and Symptoms
02:19 – Seeking Medical Help and Facing Challenges
03:45 – Exploring Treatment Options
08:29 – The Importance of Advocacy and Awareness
13:25 – Conclusion and Call to Action
Referenced in this episode:
– Breathe by James Nestor
– Jaws by Sandra Kahn and Paul Ehrlich
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