Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects breathing during sleep. Learn how it can impact your health, what symptoms to look out for, and when to seek medical evaluation.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses may last a few seconds to longer than 10 seconds, leading to disrupted rest and reduced oxygen flow. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked.
Common Symptoms
People with sleep apnea often experience:
- Loud, habitual snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Feeling unusually tired during the day
- Morning headaches or a dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating or mood changes
Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a professional assessment is important for accurate diagnosis.
Why It Matters to Your Overall Health
Untreated sleep apnea can place strain on the heart and other organs. Research has linked it to:
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Increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues
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Daytime fatigue leading to reduced alertness and work performance
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Metabolic changes such as insulin resistance
Proper diagnosis and management can help improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
Assessment may include:
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A clinical examination of your airway and jaw structures
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Sleep studies that record breathing patterns and oxygen levels overnight
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Imaging or airway assessment to identify potential obstructions
A sleep specialist or oral & maxillofacial surgeon may be involved in these evaluations, depending on your specific symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment plans vary depending on the cause and severity. Options may include:
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight and sleeping on your side
- Oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Surgical correction when airway anatomy contributes to obstruction (e.g., jaw or soft-tissue surgery)
Your healthcare provider will recommend an evidence-based option after a detailed assessment. No single method is suitable for every patient.
When to Seek a Professional Evaluation
If you or your partner notice loud snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing during sleep, or if you feel persistently tired despite adequate rest, it may be time for an airway assessment.
An early consultation helps determine whether these symptoms are due to sleep apnea or another sleep-related condition.
Key Takeaway
Sleep apnea is manageable once diagnosed. Recognising the symptoms and consulting a qualified healthcare professional is the first step toward better rest, improved focus, and long-term health.