Doctors warn parents: Don’t sleep in peace when children snore

Doctors warn parents: Don’t sleep in peace when children snore

Kushagra.Dixit@timesofindia.com 11.05.2026

New Delhi : For many parents, a child’s snoring is little more than a bedtime quirk — an indication of deep sleep or exhaustion after a long day. Doctors, however, warn that persistent snoring, mouth breathing and restless sleep can be red flags for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a potentially serious condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and deprives the brain and body of oxygen. 

For 12-year-old Surya Pratap, loud snoring gradually turned into a health crisis that went unnoticed for nearly two years. While studying at a boarding school, he struggled to sleep through the night, breathed mostly through his mouth and showed falling energy levels. Even routine activities left him fatigued, and breathing through his nose was difficult unless he was physically active. “For two years, our family lived in a state of constant exhaustion,” said his father, Rajesh Kumar, adding,“Seeing him finally breathe normally and regain his energy has been an overwhelming relief.”

Doctors say OSA in children is often missed, even though it disrupts deep sleep essential for growth, learning and emotional regulation. Affected children may wake up tired, struggle to focus in class, become irritable or unusually hyperactive, or show declining academic performance—signs frequently mistaken for behavioural issues or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “Because he could not breathe properly through his nose during sleep, he was unable to reach the deep restorative stages crucial for a growing child,” said Dr Rajesh Bhardwaj, consultant ENT specialist at MedFirst ENT Centre, who treated Surya. “The body enters a constant stress response,” he added. 

Doctors performed a combination of procedures, including adenoidectomy, septoplasty and turbinectomy, to restore airflow. “The surgery didn’t just stop the snoring; it allowed his normal 1development to resume,” Dr Bhardwaj said. Doctors reported immediate improvement. Health experts warn that untreated sleep apnoea can lead to stunted growth and weakened immunity. “Snoring and mouth breathing point to adenoid enlargement and need proper evaluation,” said Prof Anupam Sibalof Apollo Hospitals Group. Dr Neetu Jain of PSRI Hospital said early treatment was crucial. “Prolonged low oxygen levels can affect brain development, learning and overall growth,” she said. 

11/05/2026, 07:22 The Times of India ePaper: Times of India Newspaper Today, Download PDF Now https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-delhi.cms