Sleep Apnea in Children:  What you Need to Know  

Sleep apnea is an incredibly common condition, but too many people associate sleep apnea wit adults only.  The fact of the matter is that millions of children around the world are also suffering from this condition.  As a parent you should be aware that your child could have sleep apnea, and if he or she does, they need to be treated. 

Sleep Apnea in Children:  What It Is 

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person, even a child, experiences pauses in their breathing during sleep. Children, like adults, are usually not even aware that they stop breathing during sleep, and it is usually a parent who notices the interruption in breathing and brings it to the attention of the doctor.  It is important to realize that there are different types of sleep apnea.  The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, with a lesson common type being central sleep apnea.  

Characteristic Symptoms 

Sleep apnea in children is actually very common, and is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airways getting blocked that occur during sleep. It is usually also associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation.   There are a few symptoms that are often associated with this condition, including snoring, incredibly loud snorting, heavy irregular breathing, severe bedwetting, night terrors, and confusion upon awakening, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, developmental problems, problems with attention, and more. 

The diagnosis of sleep apnea in children can be quite difficult, because they are not aware of what they are experiencing and most times their parents are not fully aware of what is going on when their child is asleep either.  It is often a coincidence when the parent does find that their child is not breathing normally during sleep.  As a result, it can take quite a bit of time before the diagnosis is made. 

Sleep apnea in children can be especially frightening because of this fact that the children have no understanding of what is happening when they are having an apnea episode. If you are a parent of a child suffering from sleep apnea, you really need to make sure that you are there for your children and that you support them physically and emotionally when they are frightened or worried.  

Sleep apnea in children can also be potentially life threatening in children. The risks of this condition in children include failure to grow, high blood pressure, and even heart problems. This is why it is so important that you make sure that you work closely with your child’s doctor so that they can help to find the best course of treatment and ensure your child continues to thrive.