Sleep Apnea: Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment

Sleep apnea is common and often missed. Do you snore loudly, wake gasping, or feel tired despite a full night? Those are the red flags. Sleep apnea happens when breathing stops or gets shallow during sleep. That cuts oxygen, fragments sleep, and raises blood pressure over time.

Diagnosis

There are three main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and mixed. OSA is by far the most common. It happens when throat muscles relax and block the airway. Central sleep apnea comes from the brain failing to signal breathing. Doctors will focus on symptoms, risk factors like obesity and neck size, and medical history.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed? Your doctor may ask about daytime sleepiness, driving mistakes, or mood changes. They recommend a sleep study. Home sleep tests are common for straightforward OSA and measure breathing and oxygen levels. In-lab polysomnography is more detailed and records brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, and breathing.

Treatment & Tips

Treatment depends on severity. For mild cases, lifestyle changes help: lose weight, avoid alcohol before bed, sleep on your side, and stop smoking. Oral appliances fitted by a dentist can move the jaw forward and open the airway. CPAP—continuous positive airway pressure—remains the gold standard for moderate to severe OSA. It keeps your airway open with a steady flow of air. Newer auto-adjusting CPAP machines tweak pressure automatically through the night.

Some people can use positional therapy devices or get surgery when structural problems cause blockage. Surgery options include removing excess tissue, repositioning the jaw, or implants that stimulate the airway muscles. A sleep doctor will explain risks and expected benefits.

Medications don't cure obstructive sleep apnea, but they can help with daytime sleepiness or treat underlying conditions. If you take prescriptions, keep regular follow-ups and check interactions. Looking for affordable meds or supplies? Our site shares tips on safe online pharmacies, quality masks, and where to find CPAP parts without overspending.

Practical tips to try tonight: stop drinking alcohol 3–4 hours before bed, raise the head of your bed slightly, try a tennis ball on your shirt to avoid back sleeping, and establish a fixed sleep schedule. Track your symptoms with a simple diary: note snoring, witnessed pauses, morning headaches, and daytime energy.

When should you see a doctor? If you snore loudly and wake up choking, feel excessively sleepy during the day, or have high blood pressure that is hard to control, book an appointment. Untreated sleep apnea raises risks for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

If you start CPAP and struggle, ask for a mask refit, trial different cushions, or try humidification. Small fixes often make CPAP tolerable and effective. Good sleep matters. If you suspect sleep apnea, get checked—treatment can reset your energy and protect your heart.

Partners notice pauses first, so bring their observations to appointments. Wearable sleep trackers and apps can help spot patterns but don't replace medical tests. After treatment starts, follow-up sleep tests show if therapy is working and pressure or device adjustments are needed.