Study links breathing difficulties during sleep with poorer academic performance

The study, which included an analysis of data on the link between sleep-disordered breathing and learning outcomes from 12 countries, was published today in the journal Pediatrics. Photo / iStock

Children who snore or have other breathing difficulties while they sleep are more likely to suffer poorer academic performance, a study has found.

As a result, the researchers from Otago University say screening for sleep-disordered breathing and snoring should be included in assessments of children's learning difficulties, and followed up with the child's doctor.

The study, which included an analysis of data on the link between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and learning outcomes from 12 countries, was published today in the journal Pediatrics.

Lead author, Associate Professor Barbara Galland, from the University's Department of Women's and Children's Health, said they wanted to evaluate the relationships between breathing difficulties during sleep and achievement in literacy and numeracy skills, and science ratings and grades.

They found that breathing difficulties during sleep, and snoring in children, was significantly associated with poorer progress in those areas, but not general school performance ratings overall.

"Few studies assessing core academic skills stated participants' performance were outside of the average range.

However, our results do have implications for children not reaching their full academic potential," Dr Galland said.

The findings were in the small to medium range in terms of discrepancy, but nevertheless they served to highlight this issue to parents, teachers, and clinicians, she said.

Associate Professor Galland said children with SDB and who snore tend to have disturbed sleep and this in turn influences behaviour and attention-to-task, ultimately affecting learning.

She said there was not enough attention in New Zealand to SDB and snoring in children, as it is sometimes viewed by parents as humorous rather than a sign of a potential health problem.

"However, there could be enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity can be a factor, or potentially orthodontic problems - all of which can be addressed to varying degrees," she said.

Research suggests that parents may not always discuss symptoms of childhood SDB, such as chronic snoring, with their children's doctor.

"Therefore, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals and others who work with children need to be aware that SDB in children may contribute to academic difficulties some children face," Associate Professor Galland said.

Given the potential adverse consequences of SDB on children's health as well as their daytime learning and behaviour, it was important for parents and clinicians to recognize symptoms of SDB.

Associate Professor Galland said more research was needed, particularly to understand which children are most at risk for academic difficulties associated with SDB, the contributors to their learning difficulties, and how they can be helped.