04 July 2005

Snoring and Hyperactivity

Here is one link you will most unlikely think of: snoring and hyperactivity.
YOUNG children who snore could be at greater risk of becoming hyperactive later than those who sleep quietly, researchers reported today.

Their study, published in the journal Sleep, strengthens earlier conclusions linking sleep disorders and hyperactivity and also appears to confirm that it is the snoring that comes first.

In 2002, a University of Michigan team reported that among 229 children studied, those who snored regularly were twice as likely to later be hyperactive or have attention issues than non-snorers. For boys under the age of eight, the rate was four times higher.

[Scotsman.com, Jul 1 2005]
What does hyperactivity in children mean? Click here to have an idea.

There was a time when kids who always figured in school brawls were described here as plain impish or malikot. It was only in the 1980s that the term ADHD was coined to describe episodes of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Medical history tells us that it was the great British pediatrician Sir George Frederic Still who first reported it in 1902 in a series of lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He described a group of children who were "aggressive, defiant and resistant to discipline." The same chiildren also had difficulty paying attention and staying on task. At that time, Dr. Still offered a theory that this behavior was probably not the result of poor parental supervision, but had instead a biologic and central nervous system (CNS) background. Today, the medical world considers ADHD as a CNS disorder.

More useful information on ADHD here.

6 reactions:

Anonymous said...

When children are hyperactive, reduce their sugar and carb intake to manage them better.

Dr. Emer said...

Interesting comment, Bayi. But I think we should categorize normal active children from hyperactive, inattentive, and impulsive ones. Tha latter belongs to the ADHD group and might need more help than mere sugar intake reduction.

duke said...

doc, speaking of snoring.. what is really the cause of it in adults? is there a way to prevent it? my husband snores every now and then and it sure gets into my nerves!

Dr. Emer said...

Hello Duke! Snoring is always a problem...for those still awake. Hehehe. One very important tip that might help is to ask the snorer to lose some weight. Most snorers are either overweight or obese.

You can try these helpful links about snoring in adults:

SNORING

HOW TO STOP SNORING

If those aren't enough, let me know. Keep it cool!

duke said...

thanks doc! :)

Anonymous said...

hi doc,

i'm a chronic snorer and sleep apnea. i wonder what kind of treatments are available for someone like me in manila? i read about somnoplasty. are there clicnic offering this service anywhere in the philippines? if so how much does it cost? thanks! (my email: pigcale@yahoo.com)