Childhood Sleep Apnoea: 10 Warning Signs Parents Should Know

Discover the common signs of sleep apnoea in children, including snoring, restless sleep, irritability and concentration problems, plus when parents should seek medical advice.

A child who snores at night may seem to be making nothing more than a funny sleeping noise. However, regular or unusually loud snoring can sometimes be more than an innocent habit. It may be a warning sign of sleep apnoea, a sleep disorder that can cause breathing to repeatedly stop and start during the night.

For parents, recognising the signs can be important because sleep apnoea does not always look like tiredness during the day. Some children may instead become irritable, unusually active, restless or find it difficult to concentrate.

According to information reported by The Sun, paediatric sleep expert Dr Mirja Quante says habitual loud snoring can be an important warning sign of sleep apnoea in children.

What is sleep apnoea in children?

Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing becomes repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea, or OSA.

In children, the condition can occur when the airway becomes narrowed or blocked during sleep. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are among the possible factors, as these tissues can reduce the amount of space available for air to move through the airway.

The source article also notes that obesity, nasal inflammation caused by allergies, differences in jaw shape and certain genetic conditions can increase the likelihood of sleep apnoea in some children.

1. Loud or persistent snoring

One of the clearest signs parents should watch for is habitual loud snoring.

Occasional snoring can happen for several reasons, including congestion or a cold. However, regular loud snoring may deserve further attention, particularly if it occurs alongside other symptoms.

Parents may notice that their child snores loudly throughout the night, makes unusual breathing sounds or appears to struggle to breathe comfortably while asleep.

2. Pauses in breathing

Another important warning sign is hearing or seeing a child's breathing stop for noticeable periods during sleep.

Sleep apnoea can cause breathing to repeatedly stop and restart. Some children may also gasp, choke or suddenly change their breathing pattern during the night.

If parents notice repeated breathing pauses, it is sensible to discuss their concerns with a healthcare professional.

3. Restless or disrupted sleep

Children with sleep apnoea may not always wake up completely when their breathing is disturbed. Nevertheless, repeated interruptions can prevent them from getting the restorative sleep they need.

A child may toss and turn frequently, wake several times or appear unsettled during the night.

Poor-quality sleep can affect how a child feels and behaves the following day.

4. Irritability and mood changes

Sleep deprivation does not always make children look sleepy.

Instead, some children experiencing disrupted sleep may become irritable, moody or unusually active during the day. Tantrums and changes in behaviour can therefore be worth paying attention to when they occur alongside nighttime symptoms.

Parents may notice that a child who normally copes well with everyday situations suddenly becomes frustrated or emotional more frequently.

5. Difficulty concentrating at school

Poor sleep can also affect a child's ability to focus.

A child who is struggling to concentrate, complete tasks or stay attentive at school may have many possible explanations. However, when concentration problems occur alongside loud snoring or disrupted sleep, sleep apnoea may be worth discussing with a doctor.

The symptoms can sometimes resemble those associated with ADHD. Importantly, the source notes that sleep apnoea and ADHD can also occur together, so one should not automatically be assumed to explain the other.

6. Unusual daytime activity

It may seem surprising that a child who is not sleeping well could become more active rather than sleepy.

However, some children respond to poor-quality sleep with increased activity or behavioural changes. This means parents should consider the quality of a child's nighttime sleep rather than relying only on signs of daytime tiredness.

7. Gasping or choking during sleep

Gasping and choking sounds are additional nighttime symptoms associated with sleep apnoea.

Parents who regularly hear these sounds should take note of when they happen and whether they occur together with snoring or breathing pauses.

Keeping a record of nighttime symptoms can be useful when discussing concerns with a healthcare professional.

8. Frequent waking

Repeatedly waking during the night can be another indication that a child's sleep is being disrupted.

Even when the child does not remember waking, repeated disturbances can affect the overall quality of sleep. Over time, this may contribute to daytime behavioural, learning and concentration difficulties.

9. Consider the child's risk factors

Not every child who snores has sleep apnoea. There can be several causes of snoring.

However, certain factors may make sleep apnoea more likely. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are possible contributors in younger children. The source also highlights obesity, nasal inflammation associated with allergies, different jaw structures and some genetic conditions as potential risk factors.

Understanding these factors can help parents know when persistent symptoms deserve professional attention.

10. Record symptoms and speak to a doctor

If you are concerned about your child's breathing while asleep, recording a short video of them sleeping may help a GP understand what is happening.

The source article specifically suggests taking a short video when parents are unsure whether their child's snoring could be significant.

A healthcare professional can assess the symptoms and decide whether further investigation is appropriate.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For some children, surgery to address enlarged tonsils or adenoids may be considered. Other approaches can include nasal sprays, facial muscle exercises or a CPAP machine in appropriate cases.

Why parents should take sleep seriously

Good-quality sleep plays an important role in a child's daily wellbeing. Persistent sleep disruption can affect behaviour, learning and quality of life.

Research discussed in the source also links childhood sleep apnoea with changes in blood pressure regulation and metabolism, including the way the body manages blood sugar.

That does not mean every child who snores has a serious medical problem. It does mean that persistent, loud snoring combined with breathing difficulties or daytime behavioural changes should not simply be dismissed.

Final thoughts

Snoring may sometimes be harmless, but persistent loud snoring, breathing pauses, gasping, restless sleep, irritability and concentration difficulties can be signs that a child is not sleeping properly.

Parents know their children best. If something about their child's breathing or behaviour seems unusual, keeping track of the symptoms and speaking with a GP can be a sensible next step.

Early attention to persistent sleep problems can help identify whether there is an underlying issue and ensure that children receive appropriate care when needed.

Source: The Sun health article published on 4 September 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Snoring and sleep problems can have many causes. If you are concerned about a child's breathing, sleep, behaviour or health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.