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Pediatric Sleep Apnea in Children: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

  • Writer: Wellfirst Sleep
    Wellfirst Sleep
  • May 3
  • 3 min read

All parents cherish the peaceful sight of a sleeping child—but for some, that peace is disrupted by an often-overlooked condition: sleep apnea. Pediatric sleep apnea can cause children to struggle to breathe properly during the night, affecting their rest, behavior, and overall health.


Child with pediatric sleep apnea sleeping on pink pillows, wearing white pajamas with pink stars.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea affects between 1-5% of children, with the peak occurrence between ages 2 to 8. Yet, many cases go undiagnosed, potentially affecting your child's health, behavior, and development.



Understanding Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric sleep apnea differs from adult sleep apnea in several significant ways:


  1. Different Causes: While adult sleep apnea is often linked to obesity, pediatric sleep apnea is frequently associated with enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

  2. Behavioral Impact: Children with sleep apnea often exhibit behavioral problems that can be mistaken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

  3. Growth Concerns: Sleep apnea can affect growth in children due to decreased growth hormone secretion during disrupted sleep.


Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that untreated pediatric sleep apnea can lead to cardiovascular problems, metabolic issues, and neurocognitive effects that impact learning and academic performance.


Pediatric Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

The National Sleep Foundation recommends watching for these signs that might indicate sleep apnea in your child:


During Sleep

  • Loud, persistent snoring occurring most nights (not just during colds)

  • Pauses in breathing, gasping, or snorting sounds

  • Restless sleep with frequent position changes

  • Unusual sleeping positions, such as sleeping with the neck extended

  • Bed-wetting, especially if it begins after a period of dryness

  • Excessive sweating during sleep


During Waking Hours

  • Difficulty waking up despite adequate time in bed

  • Daytime sleepiness or falling asleep in school or at inappropriate times

  • Behavioral problems, including hyperactivity, aggression, or problems paying attention

  • Poor school performance or declining grades

  • Speaking with a nasal quality or mouth breathing

  • Unexpected growth problems


"Children with untreated sleep apnea can experience significant cognitive and behavioral challenges that affect their daily lives and development. Early recognition and treatment is essential," says Gerard Jacob, CEO of Wellfirst Sleep Diagnostics. 



Risk Factors for Pediatric Sleep Apnea



According to studies indexed on PubMed, these factors increase a child's risk:


  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids

  • Obesity

  • Family history of sleep apnea

  • Craniofacial abnormalities affecting the jaw or airway

  • Certain diseases or conditions are also correlated with sleep apnea risk including Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Sickle cell disease or Neuromuscular disorders


Getting a Proper Diagnosis

If you suspect your child might have sleep apnea, taking action is crucial:


  1. Document symptoms: Note when and how often your child snores, gasps during sleep, or exhibits other symptoms mentioned above.

  2. Consult with specialists: Start with your child's pediatrician, who may refer you to a sleep specialist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

  3. Undergo sleep evaluation: At Wellfirst Sleep, we offer specialized pediatric sleep evaluations with child-friendly approaches.

  4. Complete a sleep study: Depending on your child's age and symptoms, our specialists may recommend an overnight sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity.


Pediatric Sleep Apnea Treatments


Young child in a blue shirt sleeps peacefully on a patterned pillow, hugging a plush toy. The mood is calm and serene.

The good news is that pediatric sleep apnea is highly treatable, with several effective options:


  • Adenotonsillectomy: Removal of the tonsils and adenoids is the most common and effective treatment for children with enlarged tissues obstructing their airway.

  • Weight management: For children whose sleep apnea is related to obesity, a healthy diet and exercise program may significantly improve symptoms.

  • Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy: Similar to adult treatment, some children benefit from using specially-designed pediatric CPAP or BiPAP devices.

  • Oral appliances: Dental devices that reposition the jaw may help older children with milder cases.


Long-term Outlook

Studies published by the National Institutes of Health demonstrate that effective treatment of sleep apnea in children can lead to remarkable improvements:


  • Better attention and behavior

  • Improved academic performance

  • Reduced hyperactivity

  • Normal growth patterns

  • Healthier cardiovascular function

  • Enhanced quality of life



Help Your Child Sleep Better, Grow Stronger, and Thrive

Sleep should be a time of healing and growth—but for some children, undiagnosed sleep apnea silently disrupts that process. For more than 2 decades, Wellfirst Sleep, has applied its expertise to the unique challenges of pediatric sleep apnea and offers compassionate, child-friendly evaluation and management tailored to children’s needs.


If your child snores, struggles with attention, or always seems tired despite a full night’s sleep, don’t wait. Your child’s future shouldn’t be shaped by poor sleep.


Contact Wellfirst Sleep today and give your little one the rest they need to grow, learn, and shine.



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