Snoring in Adolescents: Linked to Problem Behaviors, Not Cognitive Deficits

A recent JAMA study has revealed important insights about snoring in adolescents. While snoring is a common sign of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), this study found it is linked to problem behaviors but not to cognitive deficits. These findings are crucial for understanding how snoring affects adolescent health and behavior.

What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)?

SDB occurs due to upper airway resistance during sleep, with habitual snoring being a central symptom. While it is already known that snoring can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems in young children, less has been understood about its impact on adolescents until now.

The Study at a Glance

The research was part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which tracked 11,875 children over five years. The goal was to study the long-term effects of snoring on cognition and behavior. Here are the key findings:

  • Participants: The study involved children aged around 10 years at the start and followed them through adolescence.
  • Assessments:
    • Cognition was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox (NIH-TB).
    • Problem behaviors were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), covering areas like Total Problems, Internalizing Problems, and Externalizing Problems.

Key Results

  1. Decline in Snoring: The percentage of habitual snorers dropped from 6.8% in the first year to 3.2% in the fifth year.
  2. No Cognitive Impact: Snoring was not linked to poor performance in cognitive tests.
  3. Behavioral Impact: Snoring was significantly associated with behavioral problems:
    • Higher scores on the CBCL Total Problems scale.
    • Stronger associations in adolescents with obesity.

The findings suggest that while snoring may not impact cognition, it does influence behavior, particularly in adolescents who are overweight or obese.

What This Means for Treatment

These results are essential for guiding decisions on treatment options for sleep-disordered breathing in adolescents. For example, procedures like adenotonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids) could be considered to reduce snoring and its behavioral impact.

Why This Matters

Snoring is often overlooked in teenagers, but this study highlights its connection to emotional and behavioral issues. Identifying and addressing sleep-disordered breathing early can improve an adolescent’s overall well-being and quality of life.

If you notice your child or adolescent snoring frequently, don’t ignore it. Speak with a healthcare provider about potential evaluations and treatment options for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Early intervention can prevent behavioral challenges and improve long-term health.

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