Infant Sleep Apnea

What is Infant Sleep Apnea?

Although sleep apnea is generally thought of as a disease that is suffered by adults who are mainly over the age of 50 years old, it is in fact the case that anyone from the age of one day to 110 years can suffer from sleep apnoea.

The actual term "Infant Sleep Apnea" refers to infants who are younger than one year old and were born after the normal length of pregnancy. Sleep apnea in babies who were born prematurely (before 34 weeks of pregnancy) is referred to as "apnea of prematurity" and is generally due to the baby's respiratory system not yet having developed sufficiently.  

What Happens?

The word 'Apnea' actually means 'no breath' and so with infant sleep apnea, the baby stops breathing while asleep.  There is then a noticeable limpness in their muscles, and their face and skin becomes very pale in colour or possibly even has a slight bluish look.  When this happens, it can obviously be very terrifying and concerning for parents.

It is easy and understandable to draw a parallel to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS but the reassuring news for parents is that a child suffering from Infant Sleep Apnea can normally be revived.  Unfortunately though, it is very possible that a baby will suffer from sleep apnea several times before he or she eventually outgrows the syndrome.

What should you do if you think your child is suffering from Infant Sleep Apnea?

If you think your child is suffering from sleep apnea you should speak to your doctor straight away. He will then perform a thorough examination of your child and recommend treatment.  Although Infant Sleep Apnea can be treated by surgery, it is also very possible that the doctor will suggest the use of a monitoring device, medication, or even that you visit a sleep Centre. 

Because in many instances, babies just grow out of sleep apnea on their own, your doctor may initially suggest the monitoring device option rather than going down the route of medication or surgery.  The monitor will record your infants heart rate and chest movements, so that they can later be examined by your doctor or the hospital.