More Prevalence of Sleep Disordered Breathing in African-American Children

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is when a person has difficulty breathing when sleeping. This can cause a child to sleep poorly, and their health and behavior can suffer. Children of African descent specifically have higher incidences of SDB than children of other ethnicities. In this post, we will go over why SDB is more common in African-American children, the risks it puts them at for other health conditions, and how we provide better sleep for them.

What is Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?

SSleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is frequently underdiagnosed, especially in under-resourced communities. Parents do not always connect less-thought-of symptoms — snoring, regularly waking during the night — with SDB. It is characterized by airway obstruction, resulting in short periods of sleep without breathing. Children with SDB may snore loudly, struggle to breathe, or wake up repeatedly during the night. This can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating in school, and even behavioral problems.

Why is SDB More Common in African-American Children?

There are several reasons behind the higher rates of SDB found in African-American children:

● Genetic Factors: Research ignores that genetics are helpful in sleep disorders. Inherited genetic traits passed down within generations of African-American children may place them at greater risk, resulting in a difference in airway structure and function.

● Socioeconomic Status: Lower-income families may have decreased access to healthcare and may reside in suboptimal environments associated with an increased risk of SDB, such as crowded housing or exposure to secondhand smoke.

● Obesity: African-American children have a much higher risk of obesity, and obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for sleep apnea. Carrying extra weight around the neck can make it more difficult for children to breathe well while sleeping.

● Development Awareness: African-American families may lack awareness of the implications of SDB and, therefore, delay seeking treatment due to language barriers or ensure language accessibility.

Health Risks of SDB in African-American Children

Sleep-disordered breathing can lead to a variety of health issues for kids, especially when it goes untreated:

● Cognitive Issues: An inability to get quality sleep can impact a child’s focus, causing problems at school. Without treatment, SDB could affect the child’s learning and memory.

● Behavioral Issues: SDB is associated with a higher risk of behavioral issues such as irritability, hyperactivity, and mood swings. This can impact social relationships and academic achievement.

● Physical health consequences: Some children with SDB face an elevated risk of serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Statistics and Research on SDB in African-American Children

Previous research has shown that African-American children have a higher risk for sleep-disordered breathing than children of any other race or ethnicity. According to a study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), almost 1 out of 4 African-American kids could potentially show some type of sleep apnea. By comparison, only 1 in 10 children of other ethnicities have the same issue. The higher prevalence remains a significant public health challenge.

Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating SDB

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is often underdiagnosed, particularly in underserved communities. Parents sometimes fail to associate more commonplace symptoms, such as snoring or habitually waking during the night, with SDB. Instead, they might think these are simply common childhood behaviors. As a result, kids can still suffer without receiving the proper treatment.

Your healthcare provider may not routinely screen for sleep apnea at your checkup, and families may not mention sleep-related issues unless asked. So, without screening, diagnosis and treatment can be delayed.

There are additional barriers in African-American communities. Limited access to health care can translate to fewer screenings and fewer opportunities for follow-up care. Part of the issue is that many people are unaware of the symptoms of SDB and the need for early treatment. Families may be less willing to seek help given cultural differences and mistrust of the health care system, making timely diagnosis and treatment all the more difficult.

Treatment Options for SDB

Fortunately, there are many options for treating sleep-disordered breathing in children. How to treat it depends on how severe the condition is:

● Lifestyle change: Good lifestyle habits, such as not being exposed to secondhand smoke, being in a healthy weight range and practicing good sleep hygiene (for example, going to bed at the same time every night) may further improve sleep.

● Medical Treatment: If this is frequent, a doctor may recommend the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps keep the airway open while sleeping. Surgery is another option if the child’s tonsils or adenoids are large enough to obstruct the flow of air.

● Early Intervention: SDB is better managed when diagnosed early. Regular screening for sleep apnea at pediatric visits can catch some children who may need treatment.

Preventing SDB in African-American Children

Most risk factors, such as genetics, are beyond our control. Still, there are measures that parents and caregivers can take to help prevent sleep-disordered breathing:

● A Balanced Diet and Regular Exercise: Promote healthy eating habits and physical activity in children. Limiting the intake of excessive junk food and sugars can prevent obesity, which is the leading risk factor for SDB.

● Create a Sleep Environment: Ensure the child’s room is quiet, calm, and dark. Establish a bedtime to encourage a healthy sleep cycle.

● Checkup: Parents must take their children for regular checkups, which will help detect any health problems, including sleep problems , at early stages.

Raising Awareness and Increasing Access to Healthcare

Addressing the greater prevalence of SDB among African-American children begins with raising community awareness. Teaching parents and caregivers about the signs of sleep apnea can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment. Just as schools, pediatricians, and community centers can be a source of information and a motivator for families to pursue medical attention if they suspect their child has sleep-disordered breathing.

A Final Word

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a serious health issue that affects many African-American children. However, with timely detection and intervention, long-lasting health consequences — including cognitive and behavioral problems — can be avoided. At the same time, we ca n take increasing awareness, access to healthcare, and lifestyle factors into account to improve some potential causes and co-morbidities of SDB and ultimately enable the children to sleep better, grow better, and achieve their potential.