Sleep-disordered breathing and its effects on sleep in infants

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Updated: Sep 14, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

F McNamara1, C E Sullivan

  • 1National SIDS Council David Read Paediatric Sleep Disorders Centre, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.

Sleep
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Infant sleep apnea, including central and obstructive types, is common. Sleep-disordered breathing in infants disrupts sleep patterns, particularly reducing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neonatology
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Sleep apnea is frequently observed in infants, yet comprehensive data on its prevalence and spectrum are limited.
  • Understanding the variations in apnea and associated upper airway obstruction is crucial for infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the amount and range of apnea in infants referred to a sleep disorders unit.
  • To investigate the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing, upper airway obstruction, and infant sleeping patterns, specifically REM sleep.

Main Methods:

  • Polysomnographic studies were conducted on 49 infants.
  • Apnea, upper airway obstruction (mixed apnea), and sleeping patterns were analyzed.
  • Infants were categorized into two groups based on apnea severity and obstruction levels.

Main Results:

  • Central apnea was present in all infants, with varying amounts.
  • Mixed apnea (upper airway obstruction) was found in 36 infants, with 16 exhibiting significant obstruction.
  • Group I infants (obstruction or high central apnea) showed significantly less REM sleep compared to Group II.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing is a significant issue in infants.
  • Infants experiencing sleep-disordered breathing exhibit notable disruptions in their sleep architecture.
  • Reduced REM sleep is associated with sleep-disordered breathing in this infant cohort.

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