4. Restless Sleep: The Ballet of Discomfort and Unease
Restless sleep isn’t just an adult’s prerogative; kids can experience it too, and it can be a disturbing sign of underlying sleep apnea. Restlessness during sleep is not merely fidgeting or moving around; it’s an agitated state where the body is in constant motion, trying to find the “perfect” position that might ease breathing difficulties.
Watch your child sleep, and you might see a constant shuffle, legs kicking, arms flailing, and the body turning as if engaged in a nocturnal ballet. This constant movement is not for show; it’s an unconscious effort to improve airflow by shifting positions.
The concept of rest becomes a paradox. Your child may be asleep, but their body is working overtime, fighting against the invisible forces that make breathing a struggle. This isn’t just tossing in bed; it’s a battle to maintain consistent breathing cycles throughout the night. (4)
