What Is Sleep Apnea?
Have you ever woken up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Or maybe your partner says you snore loudly or gasp for air at night. This could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is when your throat closes while you sleep, causing you to stop breathing for short moments. This can happen many times a night. You might not even notice it, but your body does. It can also have some serious adverse health implications.
Why does it matter?
When breathing stops, your brain wakes you up just enough to start breathing again. This keeps your sleep light and restless. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can:
Make you feel tired and groggy during the day
Affect memory and concentration
Increase risk for high blood pressure, heart problems, and accidents
What are the signs?
Loud snoring
Waking up gasping or choking
Morning headaches or dry mouth
Feeling sleepy during the day
Difficulty concentrating
You partner complains about your breathing
How do we test for it?
A sleep study is the best way to know. This can often be done at home with a small device, or sometimes in a sleep lab. The test shows how many times you stop breathing at night.
How is it treated?
The most common treatment is a CPAP machine, which gently blows air through a mask to keep your airway open. Other options include:
Mouthpieces that move the jaw forward
Lifestyle changes like weight loss, sleeping on your side, or avoiding alcohol
Special procedures or surgery for select patients
