What Is Sleep Apnea?

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.

Common causes include obesity, enlarged tonsils, or structural issues in the airway.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

This form occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical blockage — the problem lies in the brain's regulation of breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Sometimes called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea often are unaware of their breathing interruptions during sleep.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep (witnessed by another person)
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Understanding sleep needs is crucial for diagnosing sleep problems early. Learn more about how much sleep your body needs by age.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing sleep apnea:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a thick neck or narrow airway
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Being male (although women can be affected too)
• Older age
• Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
• Smoking
• Nasal congestion

If you're trying to improve your sleep naturally, you may also find our tips on how to fall asleep faster helpful.

Why Sleep Apnea Is Dangerous

Sleep apnea is not just a nuisance — it can have serious consequences if untreated. It can:

• Increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Raise the chance of heart disease, stroke, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Lead to type 2 diabetes
• Cause daytime fatigue and accidents (especially car accidents)
• Worsen depression and anxiety

Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels strain the cardiovascular system, making sleep apnea a major health risk.

Diagnosis

If sleep apnea is suspected, a doctor may recommend:

• Polysomnography (sleep study): Conducted overnight in a sleep center, monitors brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
• Home sleep apnea tests: Simplified tests that measure breathing patterns and oxygen levels.

A proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment varies depending on the severity and type of sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss (even a small amount can help)
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule — find your optimal sleep time with our bedtime calculator.
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
• Sleeping on your side instead of your back
• Treating nasal congestion

Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (PAP)

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It keeps the airway open by providing constant air pressure.

Looking for more ways to optimize your sleep? Explore our guide on how to reset your sleep schedule effectively.

Other variations include:

• BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): Provides different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.
• APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure): Adjusts pressure throughout the night based on needs.

Oral Appliances

Custom-made mouthpieces can help reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open.

Surgery

In cases where other treatments fail, surgery to remove tissue, reposition the jaw, or implant devices may be considered.

When to See a Doctor

If you or a loved one experiences loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and management can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.