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Apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing. New-born babies and young children frequently do this and it is alarming for those watching over them. The reason for this is that co-ordination between voluntary and involuntary responses in the body becomes temporarily dissociated. Holding on to the breath in this way causes carbon dioxide to build up in the blood and this, in turn, stimulates the respiratory system back into action, so normally there is no danger.

Premature babies are particularly prone to apnea and this is one reason why they are electronically monitored. If they should stop breathing, all that is necessary to make them breathe again is to push them gently. Fortunately, they soon grow out of this. It has, however, been suggested that some cot deaths may be due to apnea.

Breath-holding in sleep is less common in adults but if you have ever been alarmed when your sleeping partner holds his or her breath too long, do not worry unduly because it has probably continued since childhood. There are, however, some people who have to use a respirator at night, to make sure they do breathe, but fortunately such cases are rare.