Progressive Airway Sleep & Wellness

Sleep Apnea in Children

Recognizing the signs early makes all the difference.

Sleep apnea isn’t just an adult condition—many children go undiagnosed because symptoms are mistaken for other issues. Dr. McCoy works closely with parents to identify and treat airway-related signs early.

Signs to Watch For

Overnight Symptoms:

If your child shows any of these during sleep, consider a screening:

  • Loud, frequent snoring
  • Sleeplessness or unusual sleep postures
  • Breathing pauses or gasping
  • Heavy night sweating
  • Bedwetting
  • Mouth breathing

Daytime Behavior Clues:

Often mistaken for ADHD or mood disorders, these signs may actually signal sleep apnea:

  • Difficulty waking up and persistent tiredness
  • Mouth breathing, irritability, or mood swings
  • Breathing pauses or gasping
  • Morning headaches
  • Behavioral challenges at home or school
Explore Treatment Options
Infant sleeping peacefully, representing early signs of sleep apnea in children
Generic children icon for pediatric health content
Generic tired face icon for fatigue or sleep-related topics
Generic sweating head icon for overheating or nighttime symptoms
Generic frustrated face icon for stress or irritability symptoms

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

How We Help:

  • Begin with a screening and, when appropriate, a sleep study with a board-certified specialist.
  • Primary treatment: oral appliance therapy, which gently clears obstructions while your child sleeps.

Advanced Option—Vivos DNA Appliance:

Used with children under 12, this device encourages genetic bone growth to expand the jaw, mouth, and airway—comfortably and gradually during sleep.

Developmental dental appliances designed to improve airway structure

Why Prompt Care Matters

Leaving sleep apnea untreated can severely affect a child’s growth, behavior, and long-term health. Dr. Robert H. McCoy, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, ensures personalized care built on expertise and compassion.

If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, don’t wait. Contact us today to help them get the restful nights they deserve.

Book An Appointment
Healthy children playing outside after successful sleep apnea treatment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There are multiple factors—any combination of which may contribute, including enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, or genetic traits.

No—while over 10% of children snore regularly, fewer than 3% have sleep apnea. A sleep screening is the best way to know for sure.

Yes—untreated apnea may lead to growth delays, chronic health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications.

Treatment typically involves a custom oral appliance worn during sleep. Dr. McCoy may also recommend jaw-remodeling devices and ancillary therapies like sleep positioning or allergy management.

Some do—but untreated sleep apnea often leads to ongoing behavioral and health concerns. Early treatment is key.

Eva assisting a patient during an airway evaluation at Progressive Airway Sleep & Wellness in Glen Mills, PA

Contact Us

Take the first step toward better sleep and better health. Reach out today and our team will help you get started.