Why?
DEAR DR ROSENBERG: I have a 13-year-old with Down syndrome, who is an occasional snorer. Recently, my pediatrician suggested a sleep study. He says sleep apnea is common in people with Down syndrome. What do you think?
A: I agree with your physician. The incidence of sleep apnea in Down syndrome is rather high. In a recent study, a group of children with Down syndrome, who did not snore habitually, were found to have a 59 percent incidence of sleep apnea. In light of the fact, that sleep apnea if left untreated causes cognitive impairment; it is especially important for any intellectually challenged population to be treated. So, I agree it is a good idea to be studied.
DEAR DR ROSENBERG: I am a business manager and am having trouble concentrating. Just planning activities for the day has become difficult. I am not sleepy, but my wife says I have been snoring louder for the past year than ever before. She has even threatened to sleep in another bedroom. Should I just try something like those breathing strips that go over the nose for my snoring, or one of those snore pillows on the market?
A: No, I do not recommend these aids in a case like yours. It sounds like there is more than snoring going on with you. Your problems at work sound like a problem with what we call executive function. This consists of the ability to plan, organize and adapt. In sleep apnea, there is damage to an area of the brain called the pre-frontal cortex. This part of the brain has to do with executive functions. If you were merely a loud snorer, this should not be happening. Now there may be several other explanations for your problem, but I would start by discussing this with your health care professional. I think a sleep study is indicated.
Dr. Rosenberg, board certified sleep medicine specialist, will answer individual reader questions by incorporating them in future columns. Contact him at askthesleepdoc@yahoo.com or via mail at the Sleep Disorders Center of Flagstaff, 1110 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 or at (928) 214-7400 (928) 214-7400.
