Sleep apnea in children happens when kids stop breathing during periods of sleep. Sleep apnea in kids can affect their daily mood and behavior. It can also have a long-term impact on their cognitive functioning (the way they think). Sleep apnea in kids has also been linked to learning disabilities, hyperactivity and metabolic (growth and hormone) problems. At Nemours, our team of sleep medicine specialists, pediatric pulmonologists (lung doctors) and registered sleep technologists have advanced training in treating sleep apnea in children.