Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much. When this happens, your airway gets narrower or even closes while you try to breathe. Your brain notices the problem and quickly wakes you up to get you breathing again. You might not remember waking up, but it can happen many times during the night. You may also snore loudly, gasp, or choke in your sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Central sleep apnea is different because it’s not caused by a blocked airway. Instead, your brain forgets to tell your body to breathe while you’re asleep. This can cause you to stop breathing for short periods, which makes it harder to stay asleep and feel rested.

Complex Sleep Apnea

Complex sleep apnea is when you have both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It’s sometimes called treatment-emergent sleep apnea because it may show up when someone starts using a CPAP machine for OSA and then begins having symptoms of CSA too. This type needs careful treatment from a sleep doctor.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms

If you have sleep apnea, you might experience:

• Loud snoring

• Choking or gasping during sleep

• Dry mouth or morning headaches

• Trouble staying asleep

• Feeling very tired during the day

• Trouble focusing or remembering things

• Moodiness or irritability

Even if you think you’re sleeping all night, these symptoms can mean you’re not getting the deep sleep your body needs.

Who Is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Being overweight – Extra fat around the neck can block your airway.

• Thick neck – A thicker neck might mean a narrower airway.

• Naturally narrow airway – Some people are just born with smaller airways.

• Tonsils or adenoids – In children, large tonsils or adenoids can block airflow.

• Gender – Men are more likely to have OSA, but women can develop it too, especially after menopause.

• Age – Older adults have a higher risk.

• Family history – Sleep apnea can run in families.

• Alcohol or sedatives – These relax your throat muscles too much.

• Smoking – Smoking can swell the airway and make breathing harder.

• Chronic congestion – A stuffy nose can make things worse.

• Other health problems – Like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or PCOS.

Risk Factors for Central Sleep Apnea

• Older age

• Being male

• Heart problems like heart failure

• Taking opioids or pain meds

• Having had a stroke

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

If you think you might have sleep apnea, start by talking to your doctor. They’ll ask you about your sleep habits and symptoms. If your partner hears you snore, gasp, or stop breathing during sleep, let your doctor know.

They might send you to a sleep specialist for a test called a sleep study. This can be done in a sleep lab or at home.

Sleep Study in a Sleep Center

In a sleep center, you’ll sleep overnight while machines monitor your heart, breathing, oxygen levels, and movements. These tests are very accurate and give doctors a clear picture of what’s happening during your sleep.

Pros:

• Very accurate

• Usually only need to do it once

Cons:

• You have to sleep in a lab

• Can be more expensive

At-Home Sleep Study

This is a simpler version of the lab test. You use a small device to measure your breathing and oxygen levels while sleeping at home.

Pros:

• More comfortable

• Less expensive

Cons:

• Less accurate

• May still need a follow-up test in a lab

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If your sleep apnea is mild, doctors may recommend simple lifestyle changes like:

• Losing weight

• Eating healthier

• Sleeping on your side

• Quitting smoking

For more serious cases, these treatments are available:

CPAP Machine

A CPAP machine gently pushes air into your throat through a mask, keeping your airway open. It’s very effective but may take time to get used to.

Auto-CPAP or BiPAP

These machines adjust the air pressure depending on how you breathe, which some people find more comfortable.

Oral Appliances

These are custom-made mouthpieces that keep your jaw in a position that helps you breathe better.

Surgery

Surgery is sometimes needed if other treatments don’t help. Kids often get their tonsils or adenoids removed. Adults may have surgery to shrink tissues, move their jaw, or create a new breathing hole in very serious cases.

Treatment Options for Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is different from OSA, so the treatments are also different:

• Treating underlying health issues like heart or nerve problems

• Changing medications that may be causing breathing issues

• Using a CPAP machine to ease breathing during sleep

• Supplemental oxygen to give your lungs extra help

• ASV machine – This advanced machine learns your normal breathing pattern and adjusts to help you breathe better. It works well for some but isn’t safe for people with heart failure.

Why Is Treating Sleep Apnea So Important?

Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. Here are just a few reasons why treatment is important:

Constant Tiredness

You might feel exhausted all day, which can affect work, school, and even your mood. It also increases the risk of car accidents.

High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnea lowers your oxygen while you sleep, which puts extra pressure on your heart and raises your blood pressure.

Heart Disease and Stroke

OSA can lead to serious heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, and strokes.

Diabetes Risk

Sleep apnea may raise your chances of developing type 2 diabetes or becoming insulin resistant.

Metabolic Syndrome

This condition includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and belly fat, and it increases the risk of heart disease.

Liver Problems

People with sleep apnea may have abnormal liver tests or liver damage.

Surgery and Medication Risks

OSA can make it dangerous to take some medications or go through surgery, especially under anesthesia.

Sleep Disruptions for Your Partner

Your snoring or gasping could keep your partner awake too, which may hurt both their sleep and your relationship.

Can Kids Get Sleep Apnea?

Yes, children can have sleep apnea too. It affects about 1 to 4 percent of kids, most often between the ages of 2 and 8. If untreated, it can cause problems like hyperactivity, poor focus, and even long-term heart issues.

A common sign in kids is loud snoring. If your child snores or shows signs of sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. Many children get better after having their tonsils or adenoids removed.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

What is the main cause of sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is usually caused by blocked airways. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn’t send the right breathing signals.

How do you fix sleep apnea?
Depending on the type and how serious it is, sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, a CPAP machine, a dental device, or surgery.

Is sleep apnea serious?
Yes, sleep apnea is a serious condition. It can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other health issues if not treated.

Do you think you might have sleep apnea? Don’t ignore the signs. Talk to your doctor and get tested so you can start feeling better, sleeping better, and living better.