How Is It Treated?
Infants with primary sleep apnea of infancy may need a machine to provide breathing support. They also may need treatment with medications. Both of these options tend to be short-term treatments.
Primary sleep apnea of infancy tends to go away as the child grows and matures. Ninety-eight percent of preterm infants will be free of symptoms by 40 weeks after conception. The problem is more likely to persist longer in infants who were born less than 28 weeks after conception.
Any medical condition that causes primary sleep apnea of infancy or makes it worse also needs to be treated. The treatment will depend on the nature of the medical problem.
Long-term complications are rare for most children with primary sleep apnea of infancy. Problems are more likely for infants who need frequent resuscitation. Health problems also are more common if the primary sleep apnea of infancy is related to another severe medical condition.