Sleep apnea is not limited to older children—it can also occur in infants. Infants with sleep apnea experience interruptions in breathing during sleep. This condition is particularly common among premature babies, whose central nervous systems are not fully developed to regulate breathing. Sleep apnea may also result from airway obstruction.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious complications, including low blood oxygen levels, high blood pressure, heart problems, and growth delays. Most infants, however, recover with proper monitoring and treatment.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Infants
Infants with sleep apnea may stop breathing for 20 seconds or more during sleep. Common symptoms include:
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Pale or bluish skin due to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels.
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Sleep disturbances, insomnia, or frequent waking.
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Snoring, coughing, gasping, or choking.
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Mouth breathing.
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Night sweats.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Frequent respiratory infections.
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Trouble swallowing.
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Growth delays.
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Heart rate dropping below 80 beats per minute, which in severe cases may cause fainting (bradycardia).
These symptoms may appear during naps as well as nighttime sleep.
Note: Newborns and infants under six months may show irregular breathing patterns known as periodic breathing—rapid breaths followed by slow breathing and brief pauses of 5–10 seconds. This is normal and usually resolves by six months of age.
Causes of Infant Sleep Apnea
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Premature birth and underdeveloped nervous system.
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Airway obstruction, such as cleft palate.
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Gastroesophageal reflux.
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Weak muscles due to neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, cerebral palsy).
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Skull or facial abnormalities.
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Exposure to cigarette smoke.
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Infections (whooping cough, meningitis, urinary or lung infections).
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Metabolic disorders (e.g., mitochondrial disease, hypoglycemia).
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History of head injury or brain hemorrhage.
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Hormonal imbalances.
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Heart or vascular problems affecting oxygen delivery to the brain.
Diagnosis
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NICU Monitoring: Premature infants may be monitored in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after birth.
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Consulting a doctor: If symptoms appear at home, seek medical advice immediately. The doctor will perform a physical exam, measure oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing rate.
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Imaging: X-rays or CT scans may be used to assess the infant’s airway.
Treatment
While many infants outgrow sleep apnea, treatment may be necessary depending on severity:
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Nasal Cannula: A small tube delivering oxygen, used continuously or only during sleep.
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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A mask delivering air to keep the airway open during sleep.
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Medications: Prescribed to improve breathing or heart rate based on medical evaluation.
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Respiratory Support Devices: Commonly used for premature infants; some include alarms to detect dangerously low oxygen levels.
Early detection and proper management are essential to prevent serious complications and support healthy growth and development in infants.
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