When a child stops breathing briefly during sleep, it’s not normal—it’s childhood sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, often due to blocked airways. It’s more common than most parents realize, and left untreated, it can impact everything from attention spans to heart health. Many kids with this condition snore loudly, gasp for air at night, or sleep in strange positions to keep breathing. But not all snoring is harmless—especially if it’s loud, irregular, or paired with pauses in breathing.
One major cause of childhood sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, often due to blocked airways. It’s more common than most parents realize, and left untreated, it can impact everything from attention spans to heart health. Many kids with this condition snore loudly, gasp for air at night, or sleep in strange positions to keep breathing. But not all snoring is harmless—especially if it’s loud, irregular, or paired with pauses in breathing.
One major cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children, a type of sleep apnea caused by physical blockage of the airway, often from enlarged tonsils or adenoids is swollen tonsils or adenoids. These are common in kids and can block airflow while they sleep. Obesity is another growing risk factor, but even thin children can develop it. Kids with allergies, asthma, or craniofacial conditions like Down syndrome are also at higher risk. The problem isn’t just sleep quality—it’s daytime function. Children with untreated sleep apnea often struggle in school, act out, or seem overly tired, even after a full night’s rest.
What’s often missed is how this connects to other health issues. Kids with pediatric sleep disorders, sleep conditions affecting children, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and parasomnias are more likely to develop high blood pressure, behavioral problems, or even delayed growth. Some studies show that treating sleep apnea can improve school performance and reduce ADHD-like symptoms. That’s why it’s not just about quiet nights—it’s about long-term health.
You don’t need to wait for your child to gasp for air to take action. If they snore three or more nights a week, breathe through their mouth, sweat heavily at night, or seem restless in sleep, it’s worth a conversation with your doctor. Simple tests like a sleep study can confirm if there’s a problem. Treatment isn’t always surgery—sometimes it’s just removing the tonsils, using a CPAP machine, or managing allergies. But ignoring it? That’s risky.
Below, you’ll find real-world advice from parents and doctors on spotting the signs early, understanding treatment options, and knowing when to push for help. Whether your child snores softly or struggles to stay awake during the day, there’s something here that can make a difference.
Pediatric sleep apnea is often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Surgery to remove them is the first-line treatment, but CPAP is used when surgery isn't an option or fails. Early diagnosis prevents long-term health issues.