Researchers
Sleep disorders in children are extremely common. Breathing disruptions during sleep with the hallmark symptom of snoring occurs in up to 35 percent of children. The mildest form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is primary snoring, but children, like adults can also suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition associated with prolonged pauses in breathing, low oxygen levels (hypoxaemia) and sleep disruption.
The term SDB encompasses a spectrum of disorders, and has been associated with increased behavioural problems and poor school performance in children. We have shown that, as in adults, SDB is associated with increased blood pressure, and this could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. SDB is also associated with poor concentration at school that can contribute to poorer learning.
In studies funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Ritchie Centre scientists have used novel techniques to continuously record blood pressure and brain oxygen levels in children referred for overnight assessment of SDB. These findings have made major contributions to understanding the link between SDB and elevated blood pressure and poor school performance.
The team is also examining the effects of SDB in children with Down syndrome and in children born preterm as these groups have a much higher incidence of SDB. We have recently been funded to follow up the children with Down syndrome after treatment to see the effectiveness of this on improving blood pressure and daytime functioning.
Access to multi-channel physiological recordings during sleep (polysomnography) is very limited worldwide. We have an established research interest in alternatives to polysomnography and are currently investigating new questionnaires, smartphone videos and aspects of overnight oximetry for their predictive value in children with SDB.
Our research also covers investigating optimal ways of diagnosing and treating SDB in children with other complex medical conditions, including premature birth, Down syndrome, cancer, head injury, Prader-Willi syndrome and epilepsy. All these studies aim to better understand the impact of sleep problems on children so that medical care of children with these conditions can be optimised.
