Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

Chronic snoring and sleep in children: a demonstration of sleep disruption

M Cecilia Lopes1, Christian Guilleminault

  • 1Stanford University Sleep Medicine Program, Stanford, California, USA.

Pediatrics
|September 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children with chronic snoring, even without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, show abnormal sleep patterns. These breathing issues can impact sleep quality and potentially affect learning and behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Chronic snoring in children, not meeting obstructive sleep apnea syndrome criteria, is linked to potential learning and behavioral issues.
  • Sleep-disordered breathing requires comprehensive evaluation beyond just the apnea-hypopnea index.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the sleep structure and cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) in children with chronic snoring but a low apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
  • To analyze non-apneic-hypopneic breathing abnormalities and CAP characteristics in these children compared to controls.

Main Methods:

  • Polysomnography was performed on 15 children with chronic snoring (AHI < 1) and 15 age-matched controls.
  • Analysis included standard polysomnographic scoring and detailed examination of the cyclic alternating pattern (CAP).

Main Results:

  • Chronic snorers exhibited flow limitations and tachypnea during sleep, despite normal oxygen saturation and absence of apneas/hypopneas.
  • Abnormal CAP rates and alterations in CAP phase A were observed in snorers compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • The apnea-hypopnea index alone is insufficient for diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing in children.
  • Children with chronic snoring and normal AHI can display abnormal sleep electroencephalograms, indicated by increased CAP rates, particularly during slow wave sleep.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling03:46

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Published on: October 11, 2018

Auricular Acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Sleep Disorders05:34

Auricular Acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Sleep Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...