Can Kids Have Sleep Apnea? What Parents Need to Know

When people think of sleep apnea, they often picture an older, overweight adult snoring loudly. But did you know that children can also suffer from sleep apnea? In fact, pediatric sleep apnea is underdiagnosed and can have serious consequences for a child’s health, behaviour, and development.

If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, or struggles with attention and hyperactivity, sleep apnea could be the hidden cause. Here’s what every parent needs to know.

What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when a child’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, disrupting sleep quality and reducing oxygen levels.

There are two main types:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – The most common type, where the airway becomes blocked due to enlarged tonsils, a small airway, or improper jaw development.

2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – A rare condition where the brain doesn’t send proper signals to control breathing.

Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep apnea symptoms in kids can be different from adults. Many parents assume snoring is normal, but persistent loud snoring is a major red flag. Other signs to watch for include:

During Sleep:

• Loud snoring (3+ nights a week)

• Pauses in breathing or gasping for air

• Restless sleep, tossing and turning

• Mouth breathing or dry mouth in the morning

• Bedwetting (even after being potty trained)

• Teeth grinding

During the Day:

• Morning headaches

• Difficulty waking up

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Trouble focusing in school

• Hyperactivity or impulsive behaviour (often mistaken for ADHD)

• Mood swings, irritability, or aggression

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Child’s Health

Untreated sleep apnea can seriously impact a child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Potential consequences include:

🚨 Learning & Behavioural Issues – Poor sleep can mimic ADHD, leading to attention problems, difficulty learning, and poor school performance.

🚨 Delayed Growth – Sleep apnea can disrupt the release of growth hormones, potentially affecting height and development.

🚨 Increased Risk of Obesity – Poor sleep affects metabolism and hunger hormones, increasing the risk of weight gain.

🚨 Heart & Blood Pressure Problems – Long-term sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

What Causes Sleep Apnea in Children?

Several factors can contribute to pediatric sleep apnea, including:

🔹 Enlarged tonsils and adenoids – The most common cause of airway blockage in kids.

🔹 Obesity – Excess weight can put pressure on the airway.

🔹 Narrow jaw or underdeveloped airway – Some children are born with a smaller airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep.

🔹 Allergies or chronic nasal congestion – Blocked nasal passages force children to breathe through their mouth, worsening airway obstruction.

How Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

If you suspect your child has sleep apnea, a healthcare provider may recommend:

✔ A sleep study (polysomnography) – The gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea, conducted overnight in a sleep lab.

✔ Home sleep tests – Sometimes used for older children, though not as detailed as a lab study.

✔ Airway evaluation by a dentist or ENT specialist – Examining the tonsils, jaw, and airway structure for signs of obstruction.

Treatment Options for Pediatric Sleep Apnea

The right treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition:

✅ Tonsil & Adenoid Removal (Adenotonsillectomy) – If enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the cause, surgery is often the most effective solution.

✅ Oral Appliance Therapy – For children with small jaws or improper jaw development, a custom oral appliance can help expand the airway and improve breathing.

✅ Allergy Management – If nasal congestion is a factor, allergy treatment or nasal sprays may help.

✅ Lifestyle Changes – Maintaining a healthy weight and encouraging nasal breathing can reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

✅ CPAP Therapy – In severe cases, a CPAP machine may be necessary, though many children respond well to other treatments.

When Should You Seek Help?

If your child snores regularly, struggles with attention or behavior, or experiences frequent nighttime awakenings, don’t ignore the signs. Sleep apnea is more than just a sleep issue—it affects every aspect of a child’s health and development.

📞 Concerned about your child’s sleep? A consultation with a sleep-trained dentist or sleep specialist can help determine the next steps. Early intervention can make a world of difference!