Most parents realise that if their child has a bad nights sleep then bad behaviour is more likely the next day. New research has found that a bad nights sleep can have longer lasting effects on a child’s wellbeing. A study that followed more than 11,000 children over six years found that young children with sleep-disordered breathing are more likely to develop behavioral difficulties such as hyperactivity and aggressiveness, as well as emotional symptoms and difficulty with peer relationships. Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of Michigan analysed data on children and their sleep patterns , following them from 6 months to 7 years of age. Children who engaged in problematic behaviors at ages 4 and 7 had also displayed sleep disorders, such as apnea and mouth breathing, at earlier ages. After accounting for other factors, children with sleep disorders were 40% to 100 100% more likely than their peers to exhibit behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, and anxiety and depression.
The Buteyko Method, Resonant Frequency Breathing, Remedial Breathing can help reverse apnea and mouth breathing. Research conducted as part of the Inspir=Ed eco parenting programs provided parents with the knowledge and skills of how to help ensure their children get a good nights sleep. Calm environments, minimal or no media use for young children, lavender face washes and baths all help to calm the young child. Dr Rosalba Courtney, a Breathing Therapist in Sydney, Australia, runs breathing classes for children and has an easy to use DVD for parents to help their children overcome apnea and mouth breathing.