What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly becomes reduced or stops during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, which occurs when the upper airway narrows or collapses despite continued breathing effort.
Common warning signs Signs include loud habitual snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking during sleep, restless sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth and excessive daytime sleepiness. Some people mainly notice poor concentration, irritability or reduced performance. Children may show hyperactivity, behavioural changes, bedwetting, poor growth or difficulty at school rather than obvious sleepiness.
Why is it important? Repeated breathing interruptions can lower oxygen levels and disturb normal sleep. Untreated OSA is associated with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular and metabolic risks. Daytime sleepiness can also increase the risk of workplace and driving accidents.
Risk factors and causes Factors include excess weight, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a narrow upper airway, nasal obstruction, ageing, alcohol or sedating medicines, and certain jaw or facial structures. Not everyone with OSA is overweight, and not everyone who snores has OSA.
Diagnosis Diagnosis usually requires a sleep assessment and overnight monitoring. This may be performed at home or in a sleep laboratory depending on the patient and suspected severity. The test measures breathing, oxygen levels and other sleep signals.
Treatment Treatment depends on severity and cause. Options may include weight management, reducing alcohol and sedatives, changing sleep position, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a custom oral appliance or selected surgery. Children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids may benefit from ENT treatment. Nasal treatment can improve airflow and comfort but may not treat airway collapse by itself.
When should you seek help? Arrange an assessment for loud regular snoring with breathing pauses, choking, marked daytime sleepiness, resistant high blood pressure or morning headaches. Anyone who feels sleepy while driving should avoid driving and seek prompt medical advice.
This article is for general education and does not replace an individual sleep assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all snoring sleep apnea?
No. Snoring is common, but pauses in breathing, choking and daytime sleepiness increase concern for OSA.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually requires overnight sleep monitoring at home or in a sleep laboratory.
Is CPAP always required?
No. Treatment depends on severity, anatomy, symptoms and other health conditions.
Can children have sleep apnea?
Yes. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common contributors in children.
Can treatment improve daytime tiredness?
Effective treatment often improves sleep quality and daytime alertness.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.