Sleep apnea facts for kids

A person using a CPAP mask, which covers only their nose

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for short moments while they are asleep. These pauses can last for 10 seconds or even longer. During these times, they might miss several breaths. Because of this, people with sleep apnea often feel very tired during the day. They might even have 'microsleeps,' which are tiny naps they don't even notice. This is why it's important for them not to drive cars or other vehicles. The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated.

What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?

It can be hard to know if you have sleep apnea because it happens when you're asleep. But there are some common signs that you or someone else might notice:

• Very loud snoring
• Feeling tired or having trouble focusing during the day

How Do Doctors Find Sleep Apnea?

If you think you or someone you know might have sleep apnea, the first step is often to ask. A family member or partner might notice if you are breathing strangely while you sleep. Doctors can also do special tests to watch how you breathe and sleep.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

A full face CPAP mask

There are several ways to help people with sleep apnea breathe better at night:

• Losing Weight: If someone is overweight, losing some weight can often make sleep apnea much better.
• Changing Sleep Habits: Sometimes, simple changes to where or how someone sleeps can help.
• CPAP Machine: A common treatment is called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This is a machine that gently blows air through a mask while you sleep. It keeps your airway open so you can breathe easily.
• EPAP Device: Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) is another type of device that helps keep the airway open.
• Special Breathing Exercises: Some techniques, like playing the didgeridoo, can strengthen the muscles in your throat. This helps keep your airway open when you're sleeping.

What Happens if Sleep Apnea Isn't Treated?

If sleep apnea is not treated, it can lead to other health problems. People might feel very sleepy all the time, which can make it hard to do well in school or other activities. It can also cause:

• Feeling sad or down (depression)
• Trouble concentrating
• Loud snoring that bothers others
• Waking up often at night to use the bathroom
• Headaches when waking up in the morning

Sometimes, if a person lives alone, it can take a long time to realize they have sleep apnea. If the signs are not very strong, the problem can slowly get worse and cause more serious issues over time.

Images for kids

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  A picture from a sleep test showing when breathing stops due to a blockage.

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  This image shows a clear airway, meaning no breathing problems during sleep.

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  This image shows when the airway is blocked during sleep, making it hard to breathe.

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  A picture from a sleep test showing when the brain doesn't send the right signals to breathe.

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  A CPAP machine with two different types of masks.

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  Pictures showing a surgery called Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which can help open the airway.