Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of persistent snoring in the first year of life on developmental outcomes.
Methods: As part of a longitudinal study of snoring and sleep in infancy, we identified 13 children (10 males) who commenced snoring shortly after birth and continued to snore frequently (≥ 3 nights/week) at 6 and 12 months of age and 78 controls (31 males) who were reported by parents to never snore in the absence of a cold. Infants were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Edition III and parents completed demographic and sleep questionnaires.
Results: Infants reported to snore frequently from the first month of life and who continued to snore frequently until 12 months of age had significantly lower cognitive development scores (mean=94.2; SD=3.9) compared to controls (mean=100.6; SD=3.7) (F (1, 96)=40 6, p<0.001; η(p)(2)=0.32).
Conclusion: Persistent frequent snoring from the first month of life was associated with lower cognitive development scores at 12 months of age. It is possible that this deficit will become worse with age.
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