September 17, 2025, 10:50 a.m.
If your child is a restless sleeper and snores, could that be a sign of sleep apnea? Not necessarily. WashU Medicine otolaryngologist Maithilee Menezes, MD discusses questions she asks families in her clinic to determine if their child might have sleep apnea.
- How long has your child been snoring? Are they restless sleepers? If they are potty-trained, have they been regularly wetting their bed? Bedwetting is not always a sign of sleep apnea, but it can be.
- Is your child getting a good night’s sleep, or are they tossing and turning throughout the night? Have you noticed their breathing consistently starting and stopping at nighttime?
- Reexamine your child’s daytime behavior and mood. Are they generally happy, but beginning to seem a bit more irritable? Do you have concerns that they may be exhibiting signs of hyperactivity?
- All of these questions are taken into consideration when determining if a child has sleep apnea. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, talk to your pediatrician. They may recommend making an appointment with a pediatric specialist from the Otolaryngology Program at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
