Sleep Apnea Explained: Causes, Signs, and Treatments

Sleep apnea is a widespread sleep disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions reduce oxygen levels and fragment restorative sleep, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and mood disorders. Beyond long-term health impacts, poor sleep quality often causes daytime fatigue, trouble focusing, and emotional changes that affect daily life.

What is sleep apnea and who is affected?

Sleep apnea refers to repeated reductions or cessations of airflow during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — the most common form — happens when throat tissues collapse and block airflow. Central sleep apnea is less common and results from the brain failing to send consistent signals to the breathing muscles. Risk factors include excess weight, a large neck circumference, older age, male sex, certain facial or airway anatomies, alcohol or sedative use, and some medical conditions.

Recognizing common signs and symptoms

Early recognition improves the chance of timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Symptoms to watch for include habitual loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, abrupt gasping or choking awakenings, persistent daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, memory or concentration difficulties, mood swings or irritability, dry mouth or throat on waking, restless sleep or insomnia, and night sweats. Partners often notice sleep-disordered breathing before the individual does.

Cost disclaimer: Treatment costs vary by provider and location; this table is informational and does not represent pricing.

How sleep apnea is diagnosed

Definitive diagnosis usually requires a sleep study, or polysomnography, which records brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and muscle activity. Sleep studies can take place in a specialized lab or at home using validated portable monitors. Clinicians may use screening questionnaires like the STOP-Bang or Epworth Sleepiness Scale to identify individuals who should undergo testing. Accurate diagnosis clarifies severity and helps guide treatment choices.

Treatment approaches and when they’re used

A range of therapies can reduce symptoms and health risks. Choice of treatment depends on apnea severity, underlying causes, anatomy, patient preference, and comorbid conditions.

• Lifestyle changes: For mild cases or as an adjunct to other treatments, losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, quitting smoking, and adjusting sleep position (avoiding lying on the back) can reduce airway collapse.

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is the most established treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The machine delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. Proper mask fit and ongoing support to improve adherence are essential for success.

• Oral appliances: Mandibular advancement devices reposition the lower jaw forward to enlarge the airway. They are often used for mild to moderate OSA or when CPAP is not tolerated.

• Positional therapy: Devices or strategies that encourage side sleeping can reduce symptoms in patients whose apnea predominates when they lie on their back.

• Surgery: Surgical options — such as tissue removal, palate procedures, or jaw repositioning — may be considered when structural issues are the primary cause or when other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated.

• Hypoglossal nerve stimulation: An implanted stimulator that activates the tongue muscles during sleep can prevent airway collapse for selected patients who meet specific criteria.

The role of clinical trials and ongoing research

Clinical trials are crucial for improving diagnosis and expanding treatment choices. Current research areas include new CPAP interfaces and comfort technologies to boost adherence, comparative studies of oral appliances, and trials of alternative or complementary therapies like targeted exercise, positional training, and weight-loss interventions. Long-term outcome studies evaluate cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of treating sleep apnea. Participating in trials may give patients access to emerging therapies and helps refine best practices for clinicians.

How healthcare providers can improve outcomes

Providers can make a meaningful difference by routinely screening for sleep-disordered breathing during primary care visits, using validated questionnaires, and maintaining low thresholds for referral to sleep specialists. Building collaborative care pathways between primary care, ENT, dental sleep specialists, and cardiology improves diagnosis and follow-up. Monitoring adherence, especially for CPAP users, and offering education, mask-fitting support, and troubleshooting increases the likelihood of sustained benefit. Addressing comorbid conditions — hypertension, diabetes, and mood disorders — and integrating lifestyle counseling strengthens overall care.

Taking action and next steps

If you or a bed partner notice loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, or persistent daytime sleepiness, seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment reduce symptom burden and may lower the risk of long-term health complications. Advances in technology and ongoing clinical research continue to expand safe and effective options for managing sleep apnea.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.