Research shows between 50 to 70 million adults in the United States have sleep apnea. The most common type is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway, called obstructive sleep apnea. While many people believe the sleep disorder only affects adults, children aren’t immune to it. Children of all ages can experience frequent interruptions in breathing, which can affect their physical and mental health. While only 4% of children have sleep apnea, you might be unknowingly placing them at risk. Besides asthma and other health problems linked to secondhand smoke, new research shows it is also connected to childhood sleep apnea.

(more…)