Sleep apnea is defined as pause/brief cessation in breathing while sleeping.It is not uncommon in children.A good comfortable sleep is necessary for proper growth and functioning of brain.The most common cause of sleep apnea in children is obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy in which adenoid and tonsils are unduely enlarged causing obstruction in the airway more while sleeping leading to sleep apnea. Obesity is a predisposing factor.According to Philips survey 2009 ,14% Indians are suffering from this disorder.
The chief symptom of OSA is snoring which is seen in 15-20 % of children without having this disease ,so in majority of cases it goes unrecognised.If your child have any of these symptoms,look for OSA
Restless night sleep
Excessive day time sleepiness
Hyperactivity with /without aggressive or violent behaviour
Poor attention span
Subnormal academic performance
Low stamina at sports
Poor growth
Abnormal behaviour
The diagnostic test for this disorder is POLYSOMNOGRAPHY(PSG),which is available at very few centres in India.Sleep medicine is a new branch in India.In PSG the child has to be admiited in hospital and by a device his/her ,breathing,heart rate , rhythm,and brain activities are recorded while the child is sleeping.It costs nearly 15000 INR in Indian private set up.
In most of the cases ,weight reduction and operative removal of adenoid and tonsils are curative.

Unaddressed OSA may lead to early development of these but not limited to these:
Hypertension
Stroke
Diabetes Mallitus