Sleep and mood
- Poor sleep is linked to low mood, anxiety, outbursts and behaviour problems
- In teenagers, short sleep is linked to depression and poorer school performance
- Better sleep often improves mood and behaviour
Children's sleep
Our children's sleep team, including a paediatric dentist, looks at breathing, airway and routine to help children sleep, grow and concentrate better.
Children's sleep team
Sleep, mood and attention in children
Our dedicated team, including a paediatric dentist, focuses on children's sleep. In children, poor sleep often shows up as hyperactivity, poor concentration and irritability rather than tiredness.
Sleep and ADHD
- Sleep problems are very common in children with ADHD
- Snoring and sleep apnoea can cause symptoms that look like ADHD
- Treating disturbed breathing can improve attention and behaviour in some children
- ADHD medicines can affect sleep, so timing may need review with the prescriber
We do not diagnose ADHD. We assess sleep and refer for a specialist ADHD assessment where needed.
Snoring, mouth breathing and jaw growth
- Snoring is not normal in children and should be checked
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause, and surgery via ENT is usually the first treatment
- Long-term mouth breathing may affect how the face, jaw and teeth develop
- Paediatric dentist: airway, jaw and bite checks, palate expansion and orthodontics
- Myofunctional therapy and bedtime routine support for parents
