Sleep Apnea: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Be Treated

Sleep is supposed to restore us. But for millions of people, the night is anything but restful. Instead, their breathing repeatedly stops and starts—often without them knowing. This condition is called sleep apnea, and it’s far more common (and more serious) than most people realize.

Let’s break down what sleep apnea is, why it matters for your health, and what you can do about it.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing becomes shallow or stops altogether during sleep. These pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night.

There are three main types:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The most common form. Here, the airway collapses or becomes blocked—usually because the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep.

2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Less common. In this case, the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the breathing muscles.

3. Mixed (Complex) Sleep Apnea

A combination of both obstructive and central events.

Regardless of the type, each breathing pause disrupts the sleep cycle and lowers oxygen levels in the body.

Signs & Symptoms: How Do You Know If You Have It?

Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it. Often, a partner notices first.

Common symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Gasping or choking during sleep

• Pauses in breathing (observed by someone else)

• Morning headaches

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability or mood changes

• Dry mouth upon waking

  
  

Risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, nasal congestion, family history, and certain anatomical features (like a narrow airway or large tonsils).

Why Sleep Apnea Is Important to Treat

Sleep apnea is not “just snoring.” It’s a serious medical condition that affects the entire body.

Short-term consequences include:

• Feeling exhausted during the day

• Falling asleep at work

• Trouble focusing

• Irritability or depression

But the long-term effects are even more concerning.

Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of:

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease & heart attacks

• Stroke

• Diabetes

• Irregular heart rhythms (like atrial fibrillation)

• Car accidents due to drowsy driving

• Cognitive decline

  
  

Poor sleep affects every system in the body, from your metabolism to your mood. Treating sleep apnea can literally save lives—and dramatically improve quality of life.

How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed

If a doctor suspects sleep apnea, they may recommend one of two tests:

1. Polysomnography (Full Sleep Study)

Done overnight in a sleep lab. Measures brain waves, breathing patterns, oxygen, heart activity, and more.

2. Home Sleep Apnea Test (Polygraphy)

A simpler test you take home that measures airflow, breathing effort, and oxygen levels. It’s most often used when OSA is strongly suspected.

How Sleep Apnea Can Be Treated

The good news? Sleep apnea is highly treatable. The right option depends on the severity and type of apnea.

1. CPAP Therapy (Gold Standard)

CPAP = Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

A small bedside device delivers air through a mask to keep the airway open.

Benefits often appear within days:

• Better sleep

• More energy

• Lower blood pressure

• Improved mood

  
  

2. Lifestyle Changes

These can significantly improve or reduce sleep apnea:

• Weight loss

• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed

• Sleeping on your side

• Treating allergies or nasal congestion

• Quitting smoking

  
  

3. Oral Appliances (Mouthpieces)

Custom-made devices worn during sleep to keep the jaw forward and airway open. Good for mild to moderate OSA.

4. Surgery

Several surgical options exist, including:

• Removing tissue from the throat

• Correcting nasal obstruction

• Adjusting jaw structure

• Implanting devices like Inspire (a nerve stimulator that keeps the airway open)

Surgery is typically considered when other treatments don’t work.

5. Treatments for Central Sleep Apnea

Since CSA involves the brain’s control of breathing, treatment may include:

• Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

• Treating underlying conditions (heart failure, neurological disorders)

• Oxygen therapy

  
  

Sleep apnea is common, serious, and often overlooked. But it’s also treatable, and the benefits of proper treatment are enormous - more energy, better health, sharper focus, and a reduced risk of major diseases.

If you or someone you love snores loudly, feels constantly tired, or notices pauses in breathing during sleep, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider. Better sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a foundation of long-term health.