Does My Child Have Sleep Apnea? Take This Quiz to Find Out

Sleep apnea isn’t just an adult problem—children can suffer from it too.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition where a child’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Left untreated, it can affect growth, behavior, and overall health. But how do you know if your child has sleep apnea?

If you’ve noticed loud snoring, restless sleep, or daytime fatigue, it’s time to dig deeper. Take this quiz to assess whether your child might have sleep apnea and learn about the next steps if you suspect a problem.

What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Pediatric sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep.

This obstruction can be due to enlarged tonsils, excess weight, or anatomical differences in the airway. When breathing stops, the brain signals the body to wake up momentarily, disrupting sleep multiple times per night—even if your child doesn’t fully wake up.

Children with sleep apnea often don’t get the deep, restful sleep they need, which can lead to daytime symptoms like hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, and behavioral issues that mimic ADHD.

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea in Children

Before you take the quiz, here are some key symptoms to watch for:

• Loud, frequent snoring (at least three nights per week)
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
• Mouth breathing or excessive drooling
• Bedwetting beyond the expected age
• Daytime sleepiness or trouble waking up
• Behavioral issues like hyperactivity, irritability, or trouble focusing

If several of these sound familiar, take the quiz below to assess your child’s risk for sleep apnea.

Does My Child Have Sleep Apnea? Take the Quiz

Answer each question with Yes, No, or Sometimes.

Section 1: Sleep Behavior

1. Does your child snore loudly and frequently (at least 3 nights per week)?
2. Have you noticed your child gasping, choking, or pausing in breathing while asleep?
3. Does your child sleep with their mouth open or breathe heavily through their mouth at night?
4. Does your child frequently wake up throughout the night for unknown reasons?
5. Does your child sweat excessively while sleeping?

Section 2: Daytime Symptoms

6. Does your child wake up feeling tired or groggy, even after a full night’s sleep?
7. Does your child complain of morning headaches?
8. Does your child struggle to wake up in the morning or seem excessively sleepy during the day?
9. Have you noticed your child falling asleep at inappropriate times (e.g., in school, while watching TV)?
10. Does your child frequently experience mood swings, irritability, or behavioral issues?

Section 3: Focus and Development

11. Does your child have trouble focusing or paying attention at school?
12. Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD or shown symptoms of hyperactivity?
13. Does your child struggle with memory or learning new things?
14. Has your child experienced slow growth or weight gain issues?

Section 4: Risk Factors

15. Does your child have enlarged tonsils or adenoids?
16. Does your child have a history of allergies or nasal congestion?
17. Is your child overweight or have a higher BMI for their age?
18. Does your child have a family history of sleep apnea?
19. Have you noticed any unusual sleeping positions (e.g., propping their head up, sleeping sitting up)?
20. Have teachers or caregivers mentioned concerns about your child’s sleepiness, focus, or behavior?

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Quiz Results: What Do Your Answers Mean?

• Mostly “Yes” Answers: Your child may be showing multiple signs of sleep apnea. It’s highly recommended to consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist for further evaluation. A sleep study (polysomnography) can confirm the diagnosis.
• Mostly “Sometimes” Answers: Some symptoms are present, but not consistently. Keep monitoring your child’s sleep and discuss any concerns with their doctor. Lifestyle changes or allergy management may help.
• Mostly “No” Answers: Your child is less likely to have sleep apnea. However, if symptoms persist or worsen over time, it’s still worth bringing up with a healthcare provider.

What to Do If You Suspect Sleep Apnea

If your child’s quiz results suggest a high risk of sleep apnea, don’t panic—but do take action. Here’s what you can do next:

1. Talk to a Pediatrician

A doctor can assess your child’s symptoms, examine their tonsils and airway, and determine if a referral to a sleep specialist is needed.

2. Record Sleep Patterns

Consider keeping a sleep diary for a week. You can also record your child sleeping to capture snoring, breathing pauses, or unusual movements.

3. Consider a Sleep Study

The gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea is a polysomnography (overnight sleep study). This test monitors breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep stages. Some sleep clinics offer at-home testing as well.

4. Explore Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the apnea and its underlying cause. Common options include:

• Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy – Removing enlarged tonsils/adenoids can resolve sleep apnea in many children.
• CPAP Therapy – If surgery isn’t an option or doesn’t fully resolve the issue, a CPAP machine can help keep the airway open during sleep.
• Weight Management – For children with obesity-related apnea, weight loss and exercise can improve symptoms.
• Allergy Treatment – Managing nasal congestion with allergy medications or saline rinses may help open up the airway.

Final Thoughts

Pediatric sleep apnea is more common than many parents realize, and it can impact everything from sleep quality to school performance. If your child snores loudly, struggles to stay focused, or seems overly tired during the day, it’s worth looking into.

Taking this quiz is the first step, but a professional evaluation is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis. Early intervention can make a huge difference in your child’s health and well-being.

Looking for More Sleep Apnea Resources?

If you’re interested in learning more about sleep apnea in children and adults, visit my blog byjeremysmith.com for expert advice on CPAP therapy, treatment options, and sleep health.