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Sleep Apnea

Also known as: sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, OSA

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is blocked and interrupted for periods of 5 to 10 seconds or more while sleeping.

What is pediatric obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive periods of breathing cessation (apneas) or recurring incidences of shallow breathing during sleep.

What are the signs/symptoms?

  • Snoring or loud breathing during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • May awaken frequently throughout the night
  • Enuresis or bedwetting
  • Sleeping in odd positions or with their mouth open
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Depression
  • Frequent respiratory tract infections
  • Changes in personality or development

What causes sleep apnea in children?

The cause of sleep apnea in children is typically an enlargement of the tonsils and/or adenoids. Children with other disorders, such as craniofacial anomalies, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Down Syndrome are at an increased risk for sleep apnea.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed and treated?

At Nicklaus Children’s Sleep Disorders Center, pediatric sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study. In most cases, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnea will correct the problem. Positive-pressure ventilation (CPAP) is an alternative to further surgery in children with unresolved obstructive sleep apnea after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:12 PM

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March 16, 2021 – Most people think of obstructive sleep apnea as a condition that impacts adults. Although obstructive sleep apnea is less common in children, it is still a risk that parents should be aware of. Between 1 and 5 percent of children are affected by it, and that it may be underdiagnosed. Dr. Sandeep P. Dave, pediatric otolaryngologist, compiled a list of sleep apnea warning signs for parents to be on the lookout for.

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Down Syndrome

Babies with down syndrome have an extra full or partial piece of chromosome 21, this causes a variety of physical abnormalities. It is the commonest chromosomal disorder in the USA.

Chronic Insufficient Sleep

The repeated, continuous failure to get enough sleep each night (less than six hours) is known as chronic insufficient sleep.

Sleep Disorders

Two out of three children under the age of 10 years have some type of sleep problem. Sleep problems can be divided into two broad groups: dyssomnias and parasomnias.

Apnea in Infants

Sleep apnea is a disease characterized by interruptions to breathing during sleep that vary in nature and severity.

Positive-Pressure Ventilation (CPAP)

Positive-pressure ventilation or CPAP is a safe and effective breathing treatment to keep the the child’s air tubes open during breathing.

PSG Sleep Study

The PSG sleep study, or polysomnography, is a standard sleep study used to identify sleep disorders.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. It is a common surgery used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, sleep disordered breathing and recurrent tonsillitis.

CPAP Titration Sleep Study

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a machine used in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders such as apnea and hypoxemia.