What Is Sleep Apnea?

• Condition type: Sleep-related breathing disorder
• Common age group: Adults (can occur in children)
• Treatable: Yes, with appropriate evaluation and management
• Emergency: No (urgent care recommended if symptoms include severe breathing difficulty or sudden neurological changes)

Symptoms may occur during sleep or while awake and can include:

• Loud or chronic snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (often reported by a partner)
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Irritability or mood changes
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Not everyone with sleep apnea snores, and symptom severity can vary.

Sleep apnea may develop due to several contributing factors, including:

• Relaxation or collapse of throat muscles during sleep
• Obesity or excess weight around the neck
• Structural features of the airway (narrow airway, enlarged tonsils)
• Nasal congestion or chronic sinus issues
• Neurological conditions affecting breathing control
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Use of alcohol, sedatives, or certain medications

• Excess body weight or obesity
• Male sex
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Nasal obstruction or chronic congestion
• Certain anatomical features of the airway
• Underlying medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes

Treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea and may include:

• Sleep evaluation, including overnight sleep studies when indicated
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or similar devices to keep airways open during sleep
• Oral appliances, in selected cases
• Lifestyle changes, such as weight management, positional therapy, and reducing alcohol use
• Treatment of nasal or sinus conditions that affect airflow
• Referral for surgical evaluation, in specific cases when conservative treatments are ineffective

A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.