YFM Episode 10 - Sleep Apnea and Down's Syndrome

Your Fantastic Mind - news.emory.edu... - We explore what happens in the brain to cause sleep apnea, the second leading cause of sleep issues. For forty percent of children with Down Syndrome, sleep apnea is part of their lives, and can be fatal, as their throats and tongues collapse, blocking their ability to breathe. A few children in the southeastern U.S. are now part of a study that implants a stimulator in the neck with a lead that goes to the lungs. Every time the child breathes in during sleep, their tongue protrudes, keeping their airways open. Adults in the trial are already using this for their sleep apnea instead of a cpap, but for Down Children, it is a game changer.