Loud snoring, gasping or choking during the night, and feeling exhausted even after a full night in bed can all be signs of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Many people who have it don't know it, and a bed partner is often the first to notice. This guide covers the main types of sleep apnea, common symptoms and risk factors, how it's diagnosed, and the treatment options people often discuss with their healthcare providers.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form. It happens when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep and the soft tissues block the airway, briefly cutting off airflow.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common. It occurs when the brain doesn't send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA is often linked to other health conditions, such as heart disease or neuromuscular disorders.
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but certain factors raise the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. These include excess weight (especially around the neck), smoking, alcohol use, nasal congestion, older age, and a family history of the condition. Central sleep apnea is more often associated with chronic heart conditions, neuromuscular disorders, and certain medications.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study, which is usually ordered by a physician or sleep specialist. A sleep study may be done overnight in a sleep lab or, for some people, with a home sleep test. It measures breathing, oxygen levels, and other signals during sleep to determine whether sleep apnea is present and how severe it is. Dentists sometimes notice possible signs, such as teeth grinding or a narrow airway, during routine exams and may recommend that a patient talk with their doctor.
CPAP therapy: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most commonly prescribed sleep apnea treatments. A CPAP machine sends a steady stream of filtered, pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. CPAP is considered highly effective, but some people find the mask uncomfortable or cumbersome. Common side effects include congestion, dry mouth, and skin irritation.
Oral appliance therapy: Sleep apnea oral appliances are custom-made dental devices worn during sleep. By gently moving the lower jaw forward, they help keep the airway open and can reduce snoring and breathing interruptions. They're often considered for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for people who can't tolerate CPAP. They're typically made by a dentist trained in sleep dentistry, working alongside the patient's physician.
Lifestyle changes: Losing even a modest amount of weight, sleeping on your side instead of your back, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking can help reduce symptoms for some people. Some medications can relax the airway muscles, so it's important to review your medications with your doctor.
Other options: For some people, a physician may discuss other approaches, such as surgery or implanted devices that help keep the airway open.
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. When left untreated, it has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The ongoing fatigue it causes can affect mood, memory, and performance at work or school, and it can make driving or operating heavy machinery dangerous.
If you or a loved one notice signs of sleep apnea, talk with your physician or dentist about your symptoms. A proper evaluation and sleep study are the first step toward understanding what's going on and finding a treatment approach that fits your needs.