Episode 42 of the Airway First podcast is now out! You can catch this and all other episodes on Apple, SoundCloud, Podbean, RSS, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. And don't forget to check us out on YouTube!
My guest today is Kathleen Ready. Kathleen and her husband of 11 years, Ryan, live in North Idaho with their four children (and number five is on the way). As a family, they enjoy a number of outdoor pastimes the area has to offer, and when inside, Kathleen is usually pursuing the domestic arts in hopes of further blessing her family and friends.
Kathleen joins me on the show today to share the story of the journey she and her oldest son, Jubal, have been on since he was an infant and she first noticed his snoring. Her story is being shared in an effort to help support and guide other parents who might be on a similar airway and sleep journey with their child.
Six days of wearing the expander and I couldn't hear Jubal breathing at night. Instead, I heard him enjoying a deep, peaceful sleep. ~ Katheleen Ready
AIRWAY FIRST Show Notes:
Find an Airway-Dentist - Airway Health Solutions Search
Find an Airway-Focused Myofunctional Therapist - Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
What Is REM Rebound?
REM rebound, also known as REM rebound sleep or the REM rebound effect, occurs when a child temporarily receives more REM sleep than usual. As REM rebound occurs, REM sleep stages can become more frequent and intense, along with the amount of time spent in REM.
Dreams are commonly associated with REM sleep. REM sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements and brain activity patterns that are similar to those we experience when awake, although it is not the only sleep stage during which we dream. If a child's sleep schedule is disrupted, REM sleep is less likely to occur as often, because REM sleep usually occurs after a while.
A leading cause of REM rebound sleep is sleep deprivation. When a child does not sleep for the recommended eight to ten hours each night, they are suffering from sleep deprivation.
EDUCATION IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS HELP FOR YOUR CHILD
Education is the first step for any parent concerned about their child's ability to breathe, sleep, and maintain proper oral health.
The Children's Airway First Foundation Resource library has information that can aid in identifying symptoms and providing guidance on the first steps towards helping your child with an airway disorder.
HOW MOUTH BREATHING IMPACTS YOUR CHILD'S ORAL HEALTH
The consequences of a child's poor oral health go far beyond tooth decay and gum disease. Oral health also encompasses your child's jaw alignment and oral cavity --- both of which can impact your child's ability to breathe properly.
Mouth breathing (often caused due airway dysfunction) can have long-term impacts on both your child's oral and long-term health including:
Decreasing your child's quality of sleep ---- causing sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing
Causing poorly functioning auto-immune system
Decreasing brain function and lower IQ up to 10 points --- can also be misdiagnosed as having ADHD
Impacting speech and swelling capabilities
Increasing risk for dental complications
Causing anxiety, panic attacks, and aggressive behavior
Posture problems and muscle fatigue
Additionally, mouth breathing causes your child's mouth to dry out, which in turn, creates a damaging effect on the normal process of the oral cavity. A dry mouth can increase acidity, putting your child at greater risk of gum disease.
As with any medical condition, consult your child's pediatrician should you see any of these symptoms in your child or if you suspect your child is suffering from an airway disorder.
