What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Treated?
Published on July 7, 2025

Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, or 'apneas', can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times per night, disrupting sleep and reducing oxygen flow to vital organs.
Types of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing a blockage of the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type involves a failure of the brain to send the proper signals to muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, it is a combination of OSA and CSA.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Obesity: Excess body weight, especially around the neck, can obstruct breathing.
- Family History: Genetics can play a role.
- Alcohol and Smoking: These can exacerbate relaxation of throat muscles or inflammation, respectively.
- Gender: Males are at a higher risk, though post-menopausal women are also vulnerable.
Symptoms
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, witnessed by another person
- Abrupt awakenings followed by shortness of breath
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
CPAP and Other Treatments
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that provides a steady stream of pressurized air to keep the airways open.
Other Treatments
- Oral Appliances: Custom-fit devices worn during sleep to keep the throat open by repositioning the jaw or tongue.
- Surgery: Procedures such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), removal of tissues, or jaw surgery to enlarge the airway.
- Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): This is a newer airflow device for those with central sleep apnea.
Health Consequences
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Depression and anxiety
- Impaired cognitive performance
Diagnosis Process
Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves a sleep evaluation from a specialist and may include a polysomnography (sleep study) that records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Breathing
- Weight Loss: Reducing excess weight can decrease the severity of OSA.
- Positional Therapy: Sleeping on your side instead of your back can prevent the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the airway.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially cardiovascular exercises, can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
- Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Limiting or eliminating these can reduce airway inflammation and improve muscle tone.
Conclusion
Addressing sleep apnea requires a multifaceted approach, combining medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. With proper management and support, individuals can significantly enhance their sleep quality and overall health.