Sleep apnea isn’t just an adult health issue—it can also affect children, often going undiagnosed for months or even years. Pediatric sleep apnea is a serious condition that disrupts a child’s breathing during sleep, impacting everything from their energy levels and mood to their growth and cognitive development. If you’re a parent or caregiver in New Jersey concerned about your child’s sleep, this guide is for you.
At ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders in children. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in children, what causes it, and how you can help your child get the rest they need.
What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea in children, most commonly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. These breathing interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, often without the child waking up.
Unlike adults, children with sleep apnea don’t always appear sleepy—instead, they may show signs of behavioral problems, poor school performance, or hyperactivity.
1. Loud Snoring
Loud, habitual snoring is the most recognizable symptom of sleep apnea. While occasional snoring is normal, persistent, disruptive snoring that occurs three or more nights per week could indicate a problem.
If your child snores loudly and consistently, especially if it’s paired with gasping or pauses in breathing, it’s time to schedule a sleep evaluation.
2. Pauses in Breathing
Witnessing your child stop breathing during sleep can be terrifying. These pauses, called apneas, may last several seconds and are often followed by gasping or choking sounds as they start breathing again.
Parents often notice this during light sleep or naps.
3. Restless Sleep
Children with sleep apnea tend to move around a lot in bed. They may toss and turn, kick off blankets, or end up in unusual sleeping positions as their body tries to reopen the airway.
4. Mouth Breathing During the Day or Night
Chronic mouth breathing—especially during sleep—can be a sign that your child is struggling to breathe through their nose due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or nasal obstruction.
Mouth breathing is not only a symptom but can also contribute to further issues like dry mouth and dental problems.
5. Bedwetting (Enuresis)
Bedwetting beyond the age of typical potty training, especially if it starts after your child has been dry at night, can be a surprising indicator of sleep apnea. The fragmented sleep and pressure changes caused by apnea events can disrupt normal bladder control.
6. Daytime Sleepiness or Fatigue
Even if your child appears to sleep for a full night, poor-quality sleep due to breathing interruptions can result in daytime fatigue. Your child may be difficult to wake in the morning, complain of feeling tired, or fall asleep during the day.
7. Hyperactivity and Behavior Issues
Unlike adults who tend to get sluggish when sleep-deprived, children may become hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive. This often leads to misdiagnoses such as ADHD.
Studies have shown a clear link between untreated sleep apnea and behavioral and learning difficulties in children.
8. Frequent Morning Headaches
Interrupted sleep and low oxygen levels during the night can lead to headaches in the morning. If your child frequently complains of headaches upon waking, sleep apnea could be the cause.
9. Slow Growth or Poor Weight Gain
Sleep is essential for healthy growth in children. Growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep, so children with sleep apnea may experience stunted growth or failure to thrive.
Additionally, labored breathing can burn extra calories, leading to poor weight gain.
10. Academic Struggles
Lack of quality sleep can impact concentration, memory, and learning. If your child has trouble focusing in class, is falling behind academically, or seems unusually forgetful, consider whether sleep could be the root of the issue.
What Causes Sleep Apnea in Children?
Several factors may lead to pediatric sleep apnea, including:
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (the most common cause)
- Obesity
- Craniofacial abnormalities (such as a small jaw or recessed chin)
- Nasal obstructions or chronic allergies
- Neuromuscular disorders
How Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically starts with a consultation and physical exam. At ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center in New Jersey, we may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor your child’s breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns overnight.
This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing pediatric sleep apnea.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: Removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids can resolve OSA in many children.
- CPAP therapy: A mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open (used more often in older children or if surgery isn’t effective).
- Allergy management: Reducing nasal inflammation through medication or immunotherapy.
- Weight management: If obesity is a contributing factor, a weight-loss plan may help reduce symptoms.
- Orthodontic interventions: Devices that expand the jaw or align the teeth may help improve airflow.
When to See a Pediatric ENT Specialist
If your child exhibits any of the signs listed above, it’s best to consult an ENT who specializes in pediatric sleep disorders. At ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center, we understand the unique needs of children and work closely with families to ensure the best outcome.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your child’s quality of life, enhance academic performance, and prevent long-term health issues.
Conclusion
Pediatric sleep apnea is more common than many parents realize, and the symptoms aren’t always obvious. If your child snores loudly, is overly active or tired during the day, or struggles in school, it’s worth exploring whether sleep apnea might be the cause.
At ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center, our New Jersey-based team is dedicated to helping children sleep better and live healthier. If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. A better night’s sleep could make all the difference in your child’s health and development.
