It is important for parents to build a strong “dream team” to support their child’s health and well-being.With so many children struggling with sleep disorders, a pediatric sleep specialist is an essential part of care for many families. 

At the Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona, pediatric patients as young as two years old are treated by specialists dedicated to sleep medicine. The clinic has been voted “Top Doc” in the area for six consecutive years.

As an outcome-driven sleep clinic, the priority is making an accurate diagnosis during your consultation so that the right testing and treatment can follow. However, for parents of children with sleep disorders, it is important to remember that the best care often involves a collaborative, holistic team of experts. Surprisingly, that team may also include your child’s dentist.

The Role of a Pediatric Sleep Specialist in Accurate Diagnosis

A recent article in Sleep Review covered the journey of dentist Diana Batoon, whose child was diagnosed with sleep apnea (1). When a pneumologist suggested antidepressants as treatment, she was understandably concerned about starting long-term medication at such a young age,particularly antidepressants. 

Instead, she explored the science behind pediatric sleep apnea and discovered what sleep specialists already emphasize: effective care often combines behavioral strategies with medical treatments such as appliance therapy, including CPAP technology. This thorough approach offers a path to better sleep quality (1). 

One Pediatric Sleep Disorder Journey

As her child’s sleep improved, Batoon noticed significant changes. School performance improved, and even chronic eczema symptoms became less severe. This experience led her to integrate “dental sleep medicine” into her approach.

Research suggests that up to 90 percent of children who have some type of sleep-disordered breathing (also known as SDB) (2), and which includes obstructive sleep apnea, are not properly diagnosed. Instead, symptoms are often mistaken for behavioral concerns such as ADHD (3). When sleep disorders are the root cause, children typically do not outgrow these behavioral challenges without treatment.

How Pediatric Sleep Disorders Differ From Adult Sleep Apnea

How Pediatric Sleep Disorders Differ From Adult Sleep Apnea

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often looks very different from adult OSA. Children may not show classic daytime sleepiness. Instead, they frequently display behavior changes, hyperactivity, or restless sleep. (4).

Snoring is common but not always present. Infants and young children with OSA may not snore, and parents may instead notice breathing pauses, mouth breathing, or restless sleep (4, 5). Bed-wetting that begins after a previously dry period can also signal disrupted sleep. (4).

Untreated pediatric OSA can affect growth and physical development. It has been linked to behavioral, neurocognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic disturbances. (6).

The Dentist’s Role in Screening Pediatric Airway and Sleep Issues

Collaboration between a pediatric sleep specialist and dentist can be critical. Dentists trained in airway health understand the connection between pharyngo-orofacial development and sleep disorders.

Because most children visit a dentist at least annually, dentists are increasingly among the first professionals to screen for airway concerns. They can evaluate anatomical risks and recognize early warning signs that may require sleep evaluation. (7, 8, 9) 

Caring for Your Child’s Sleep Disorder

Sleep apnea can significantly impact a child’s development, so it’s essential to involve the right experts early. Dentists should evaluate more than airway anatomy alone. They also consider factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, and possible genetic conditions.(10)

Dental professionals often screen for daytime fatigue and may identify structural or neuromuscular concerns, including jaw development issues or maxillary deficiencies.(10).

Common Signs of Pediatric Sleep Apnea Parents Should Not Ignore

Pediatric sleep apnea does not always present as loud snoring. Many children show more subtle signs.

Nighttime Signs

  1. Breathing changes or pauses during sleep (11)
  2. Noisy, heavy, or labored breathing (12)
  3. Restless sleep (11)
  4. Nighttime bedwetting (enuresis) (11)

Daytime Symptoms

  1. Morning headaches or difficulty waking (11)
  2. Irritability, hyperactivity, or poor focus (13)
  3. Daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating (12)

Because these symptoms can resemble normal childhood behavior, pediatric sleep apnea is often overlooked until it begins affecting learning, mood, or health.

Can Sleep Disorders Be Mistaken for ADHD or Behavioral Problems?

Sleep-disordered breathing can closely mimic ADHD symptoms (14). Children with OSA frequently display hyperactivity, inattention, and behavioral challenges, sometimes leading to an ADHD diagnosis before a sleep disorder is identified.(15, 16). 

For this reason, experts recommend screening for sleep problems as part of any ADHD evaluation (17). For this reason, experts recommend screening for sleep problems as part of any ADHD evaluation. Improving sleep can reduce behavioral symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity, which may help clinicians determine whether these behaviors reflect an underlying neurodevelopmental condition or are influenced by sleep disruption (18)(19).

Why Early Treatment Matters More Than ‘Waiting It Out’

Sleep apnea is not something most children simply outgrow. Untreated pediatric sleep apnea can interfere with physical growth, brain development, metabolic health, and hormone regulation during critical developmental periods. 

Early diagnosis and treatment improve sleep quality and support healthier cognitive, behavioral, and cardiovascular outcomes. Addressing sleep issues promptly helps children reach their full developmental and academic potential.

When to Seek a Pediatric Sleep Consultation

Parents can schedule a consultation without a referral. Early evaluation allows families to address sleep concerns before they affect learning, behavior, and overall health.Of course, you can also just schedule a consultation for your child today as there is no need for a referral to see the sleep specialists at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona. 

When pediatric sleep disorders are properly treated, children often experience dramatic improvements in confidence, academic success, and emotional well-being. If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep, schedule a consultation today at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute by calling the office or completing the online form. Together, we will work to identify the root cause of your child’s sleep challenges, create a personalized treatment plan, and help your child achieve the healthy restorative sleep they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

References

  1. Roy, S. (2020, March 15). Dentists Make a Difference in Pediatric Sleep Apnea Cases. Sleep Review. https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-disorders/breathing-disorders/obstructive-sleep-apnea/dentists-pediatric-sleep-apnea/
  2. Alexander, N., Boota, A., Hooks, K., & White, J. R. (2019). Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Adenotonsillectomy in 9-Year-Old Twins With Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Interdisciplinary Effort. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 119(2), 126–134. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2019.019
  3. Bhaje, P., & Faye, A. (2021). Sleep Difficulties and Symptoms of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Mouth Breathing. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 14(5), 604–609. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1987
  4. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea – Symptoms and causes. (2025). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pediatric-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20376196
  5. Staff, R. (2007, February 8). Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Patients | RT. Respiratory Therapy. https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/sleep-medicine/obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-pediatric-patients/
  6. Jadhav, U., Bhanushali, J., Sindhu, A., Reddy, B. S. K., Toshniwal, A., & Rashmika, M. (2025). A Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: From Assessment to Intervention. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78051
  7. THE REFERENCE MANUAL OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 123. (n.d.). https://www.aapd.org/globalassets/media/policies_guidelines/p_sleepapnea.pdf
  8. Levine, B., Patterson, F., & Covington, L. (2024). Pediatric Dentists: Delaware Journal of Public Health, 10(1), 44–45. https://doi.org/10.32481/djph.2024.03.07
  9. Review Article, Issue 5.4. (2018). Aadsm.org. https://aadsm.org/journal/review_article_issue_54.php
  10. Heit, T., Tablizo, B. J., Salud, M., Mo, F., Kang, M., Tablizo, M. A., & Witmans, M. (2022). Craniofacial Sleep Medicine: The Important Role of Dental Providers in Detecting and Treating Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children. Children, 9(7), 1057. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9071057
  11. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea – Symptoms and causes. (2025). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pediatric-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20376196
  12. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) | Boston Children’s Hospital. (2026). Childrenshospital.org. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-treatments/obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa
  13. Gouthro, K., Kadam, S. J., Abdulghani Sankari, & Slowik, J. M. (2025, December). Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557610/
  14. CDC. (2024, October 7). Diagnosing ADHD. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html
  15. Gouthro, K., Kadam, S. J., Abdulghani Sankari, & Slowik, J. M. (2025, December). Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557610/
  16. Chervin, R. D., Dillon, J. E., Bassetti, C., Ganoczy, D. A., & Pituch, K. J. (1997). Symptoms of Sleep Disorders, Inattention, and Hyperactivity in Children. Sleep, 20(12), 1185–1192. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/20.12.1185
  17. National Resource Center on AD HD A program of CHADD NatioNal ResouRce ceNteR oN aD/HD: a PRogRam of cHaDD ADHD and Sleep Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2026, from https://www.aap.org/globalassets/publications/adhd2/adhd-and-sleep.f0907.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooto4-w9jslje529ADETe74mBLSHufZAWp0Ac6iQ3WJIfQpTa4V&%5C
  18. Um, Y. H., Hong, S.-C., & Jeong, J.-H. (2017). Sleep Problems as Predictors in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Causal Mechanisms, Consequences and Treatment. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 15(1), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2017.15.1.9
  19. Kingshott, R. (2009, March). Study Points to an Underlying Sleep Problem in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and Researchers. American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and Researchers. https://aasm.org/study-points-to-an-underlying-sleep-problem-in-children-with-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder/

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your individual health needs.