Some people have facial deformities that may cause the sleep apnea. It simply may be that their jaw is smaller than it should be or they could have a smaller opening at the back of the throat. Some people have enlarged tonsils, a large tongue or some other tissues partially blocking the airway. Fixing a deviated septum may help to open the nasal passages. Removing the tonsils and adenoids or polyps may help also.
Children are much more likely to have their tonsils and adenoids removed.
The Sleeping Illness Narcolepsy is a life-long neurological illness, primarily characterized by sudden uncontrollable sleep attacks and persistent daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy affects more than 500,000 Americans and symptoms may arise as early as the onset of puberty and continue throughout life. Recently scientists have identified a genetic marker for this disease confirming that narcolepsy may be hereditary. A child with a parent having narcolepsy has one chance in twenty of being affected. The cause of narcolepsy is unknown.