What is the difference between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA)? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) usually occurs in children due to large tonsils and large adenoids. These cause intermittent complete or partial obstruction (blockage) of the upper airway during sleep. The [...]
Can babies have obstructive sleep apnea? What are some signs I should look out for? Yes, babies can have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They can have upper airway obstruction including the intermittent blocking (or obstruction) of the upper airway in sleep, which can lead to pauses in breathing [...]
Can snoring or sleep apnea affect my child’s development? Snoring is an important symptom of possible obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is when the upper airways (such as the muscles of the throat) close either partially or completely block the normal passage of air through to the lungs. The [...]
Are snoring and pauses in breathing normal for some babies and toddlers? What should I do if I see my child snore and have pauses in breathing during the night? Snoring occurs in 10-14% of children. About 1/3 of children who snore might have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where there is disrupted [...]
What should I do if my child snores and chokes while he’s sleeping? Choking can actually be the result of snoring which, in turn, can be due to what is termed obstructive sleep apnea. In children, this is usually due to complete or partial blockage of the upper airway (throat area and the [...]
How can I tell if my toddler has obstructive sleep apnea? Toddlers tend to have large tonsils and adenoids, which can cause a partial or complete blockage in the upper airway (throat and back of the nose area), thereby blocking air flow and causing a snoring sound. If your toddler snores on most or [...]
What is obstructive sleep apnea? The word “apnea” just means cessation of breathing or pauses in breathing. Short pauses in breathing are normal, particularly in infants and especially during dream sleep (Rapid Eye Movement, or REM sleep). However, if your baby has pauses in breathing [...]
My child has Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome. What things should I know about his sleep? About three quarters of children with Down syndrome have sleep problems. These can be medical, behavioral or a combination of both. Because of certain anatomical features (physical features), a high percentage [...]
How do I stop worrying about him overnight? Many, many caregivers experience this – it’s very common – you are not the only one. You might wake up or realize all of the sudden that your little one has been quiet and asleep for much longer than usual and it makes you wonder what could be [...]
Where is it safest for a baby to sleep? Sleep environment and safety is very important! The most important thing to do is to make sure you put your baby down on her back. Be sure her own sleep surface is firm, flat, and free from anything that may disrupt her breathing (risk of suffocation) such as [...]