A new study published in this week's edition of "Pediatrics." says there may be a link between children who snore loudly and their behavior.

After observing 249 children, researchers at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that that those who snored loudly at least twice a week at the ages of 2 and 3 had more behavioral problems than children who didn’t snore, or who snored at 2 or 3 but not at both ages.

Doctors noted that continual snoring occurs in nearly one of every 10 children. Although the reasons of why children snore were not examined, study authors say that their snoring could be connected to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, inattention, depression or real breathing problems.

Dr. Dean Beebe, director of the hospital's neuropsychology program explained, "The strongest predictors of persistent snoring were lower socioeconomic status and the absence or shorter duration of breast-feeding. This would suggest that doctors routinely screen for and track snoring, especially in children from poorer families, and refer loudly-snoring children for follow-up care.”

Animal model studies show persistent snoring may affect behavior in two ways: through poor sleep quality or bad air exchange. In short, if the part of the brain that controls moods is not properly rested and isn’t getting the right amount of oxygen, irritability can occur.

CNN Wires contributed to this report.