Sleep apnea in children, snoring, treatment: Pulmo Sleep Eliksir✓

Sleep apnea in children is a breathing disorder during sleep in which a child briefly stops breathing or breathes very shallowly. These pauses can last several seconds and repeat many times throughout the night, affecting sleep quality and overall health. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway temporarily closes due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, allergies, or narrowed airways. A less common form is central apnea, in which the brain temporarily fails to send the signal to the body to breathe.

Consequences of untreated sleep apnea in children

Untreated sleep apnea in children can lead to serious long-term consequences. Breathing disturbances during sleep affect growth, as quality sleep is directly connected to the secretion of growth hormone. Children with sleep apnea are also at higher risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and respiratory complications.

In addition to physical consequences, untreated sleep apnea significantly affects a child’s cognitive development and socio-emotional functioning. Children may be forgetful, perform poorly in school, and have difficulty controlling their emotions. Parents often notice that their children “aren’t themselves” and seem tired despite apparently getting enough sleep.

What a nighttime sleep study looks like – a child’s experience

Parents often worry about how their child will handle polysomnography, or a nighttime sleep study. The truth is that the procedure is completely painless and adapted for children of all ages.

After arriving at the center, the child is placed in a pleasant and quiet room that resembles a normal sleeping environment rather than a hospital room. A technician then gently places sensors on the child’s skin and head — these measure breathing, movements, heart activity, and brain waves during sleep. They don’t hurt and don’t interfere much with sleep. Children usually adapt quickly, especially with a parent staying with them throughout the night.

During the study, staff discreetly monitor the parameters to record apneas, snoring, oxygen saturation, and other important indicators. In the morning, the child wakes up, the sensors are quickly removed, and they can go home. The analysis is then processed, and the results provide a clear insight into how the child actually breathes during sleep.

Parents often say after the first study that their children found it interesting and that the whole process went much more smoothly than they had imagined. 

Experiences of parents and children

Jelena, mother of a 7-year-old boy:
"My son was constantly tired and irritable. I thought the problem was school or just a developmental phase. Only after we did polysomnography at the Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir did we find out he had obstructive sleep apnea. After starting CPAP therapy and receiving guidance from the professional team, his energy and concentration improved, and the nighttime symptoms almost completely disappeared."

Ivan, father of a 10-year-old girl:
"Snoring and frequent awakenings seemed like a minor issue, but her teachers noticed she was always sleepy and unable to focus in class. The diagnosis and treatment at the Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir changed her daily functioning. Now she wakes up rested, learns better, and participates in social activities without constant fatigue."

Diagnostics and treatment in children

Sleep apnea in children is diagnosed with polysomnography, the same as in adults. This detailed sleep analysis allows doctors to identify breathing interruptions, the frequency of apneas, and other sleep disturbances.

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, correction of nasal or throat issues, but in most cases, CPAP therapy or oral appliances for older children provide the best results. Expert evaluation and individually tailored therapy are key to improving sleep, cognitive development, and overall health.

Professional support at the Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir

Our clinic, the Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in children and adults. The multidisciplinary team uses modern methods to provide patients — including the youngest ones — with calm and healthy sleep.

Our goal is for every child who comes to us to receive professional support, clear guidance, and an effective solution that improves sleep quality and contributes to healthy development. Parents’ experiences confirm that timely diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in children can completely transform daily life and the overall quality of life for the entire family. 

How to Contact Us?

For more information about our services or if you have any questions, feel free to visit our CONTACT page and get in touch with us. We’re here to help!