Chapter 11 – Sleep Apnea in Infants

Breathing irregularities during sleep are a major source of concern for new parents, but they are usually physiological phenomena that resolve on their own as the baby grows.

In the early months, a newborn’s respiratory rhythm is not always steady—especially during deep sleep phases. It’s common for babies to momentarily pause their breathing. This can be caused by several factors. First of all, the brain has not yet fully developed the mechanisms that regulate breathing. For this reason, a newborn may “pause” their breathing for a few seconds while transitioning from a faster to a slower breathing rhythm. These pauses are brief and typically disappear with growth. Gastroesophageal reflux can also cause short interruptions in breathing.

Another type of non-pathological apnea is emotional apnea: after a crying episode, the baby may briefly struggle to resume normal breathing and may even turn red. Again, this kind of episode lasts just a few seconds and should not be cause for alarm.

More rarely, sleep apnea can be linked to underlying medical conditions that require professional evaluation. These are known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and can result from various causes, potentially having serious effects on a child’s health and development. Contributing factors may include: Structural abnormalities in the upper airway (such as enlarged adenoids or tonsils), Pressure imbalances, Or even childhood obesity. Symptoms associated with OSAS often include: Snoring, Nighttime crying episodes, Repetitive movements during sleep, Or weak sucking reflex (31).
If any of these signs are observed, parents should consult a pediatrician for a thorough evaluation.