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Infant Sleep Apnea

Description

Many think of sleep apnea as a condition effecting adults, however, there is a very similar apnea that effects infants. It is characterized by pauses in breathing that last more than 20 seconds. When it occurs in premature babies, it is thought the connection between the brain sending the signal to breathe and the lungs, is not yet complete. Usually, when the baby reaches his or her due date, he or she begins breathing normally.
For older infants (over 37 weeks of age), this pause in breathing can be associated with color change and muscle limpness after about 20 seconds, a very frightening experience for parents. Most of the time, the apnea ends when the air passages spontaneously opens and normal breathing ensues. In addition, sensory stimulation can also cause the infant to begin respiration again. Often this condition appears to be SIDS, however, a child with infant sleep apnea can usually be revived. A child can have several episodes before he or she outgrows the condition.

Diagnosis

An infant with infant sleep apnea will have reoccurring pauses in his or her breathing that usually spontaneously end after a matter of seconds. These instances are associated with a change of skin color and muscle limpness.

Treatment

For infants, especially premature ones, who do not start breathing on their own, medication or a respirator can be used until they outgrow the condition.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.