Sleep apnea is dangerous and even fatal for adults, but infant sleep apnea can create a whole other set of problems. Not only can it lead to death, there is a chance that the lack of oxygen from the brain could cause irreplaceable brain damage. Sleep apnea in adults is very treatable and the symptoms are somewhat apparent however sleep apnea in children is often difficult to detect making treatment more difficult. Sleep apnea is split into two different categories when referring infant sleep apnea; Apnea of Prematurity and Apnea of Infancy.

Symptoms of Infant Sleep Apnea
The symptoms of infant sleep apnea can be similar when dealing with either category of sleep apnea. As with all sleep apnea sufferers children with sleep apnea often show most of their severe symptoms while sleeping and may not be aware they are having a hard time.

Some of the obstructive sleep apnea symptoms recognized in both groups of infant sleep apnea include:

  • Dramatic Changes in Color
  • Gasping or Choking Sounds
  • Restless Sleeping
  • Unusual or Uncommon Sleep Positions
  • Obvious Difficulty Breathing
  • Loud Snoring

A more severe type of infant sleep apnea called Central Apnea is much less common and can be very dangerous for infants. Central Apnea is where the brain actually malfunctions making the infant incapable of keeping the breathing process on track, sometimes even stopping it all together. This type of infant sleep apnea is most common when dealing with an infant born prematurely and will present itself with other neurological disorders. You may also notice some of the same symptoms as Obstructive Apnea such as:

  • Dramatic Changes in Color
  • Gasping or Choking Sounds
  • Restless Sleeping
  • Unusual or Uncommon Sleep Positions
  • Obvious Difficulty Breathing
  • Loud Snoring
  • Sudden Awakenings and Uncontrollable Crying
  • Difficulty Falling Asleep to Begin With
  • Unreasonable Sleep Patterns for an Infant

Causes of Infant Sleep Apnea
There are many causes of pediatric sleep apnea just as there are with adult sleep apnea.

  • Prematurity - The most common cause of baby sleep apnea is being born premature, or before 35 weeks. Some premature babies are born with underdeveloped respiratory systems leaving them at greater risk of developing pediatric sleep apnea.
  • Family History - A baby born to a family having a history of sleep disorders is at very high risk of also developing infant sleep apnea.
  • Other Disorders - Children with other neurological disorders such as autism or down syndrome are more likely to develop central sleep apnea.
  • Brain Damage – Some infant sleep apnea is caused by damage to the brain after birth. This cause is usually due to trauma of some type.

Infant Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treatment of infant sleep apnea usually includes a number of natural symptom relievers along with several techniques. All natural remedies are great for all infants but can prove lifesaving for those with infant sleep apnea.

Suggested Techniques to Use at Home:

  • Place the infant on their side to sleep. This will allow better airflow throughout the body.
  • Prop the baby up using pillows so that the infant is in a semi-sitting position.
  • Create a strict routine for sleep. This routine should be used at all times.
  • Set up a humidifier in the infant’s room. This will ensure airflow by reducing blockage.
  • Do not prop or give the baby a bottle to sleep with. This can be dangerous for all babies but those suffering with sleep apnea are at greater risk of chocking.
  • Maintain a log of sleep patters to show to your doctor. This will make sure nothing is being looked over or disregarded.

In more severe cases the use of unnatural medications can be used but this is typically advised against and will only be administered in the care of a hospital. Here are a few treatments used to treat moderate to severe cases of infant sleep apnea.

  • Medications: Several medications can be used to clear the airways, clear up congestion, and aid in gentle sleeping.
  • Infant Sleep Apnea Devices: This usually includes machines that assist the infant in breathing with tubes, masks, and stimulation.
  • Monitoring Machines: These machines monitor the breathing patterns of an infant to see where the problem actually exists.
  • Breathing and Soothing Techniques: A hospital nurse will help you teach the baby to soothe itself into a restful sleep and create positive patterns to better airflow.