Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep that last for several seconds or longer. These pauses can occur multiple times throughout the night and can lead to disruptions in sleep, decreased oxygen levels in the body, and a range of health issues.
In children, sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of factors, including an underdeveloped jaw, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, and certain medical conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. Symptoms of sleep apnea in children can include snoring, gasping for air during sleep, restlessness, and daytime sleepiness.
